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I just want to thank you for providing such a good resource for bug identification!! I searched and googled and searched over and over again for help identifying a hard shell worm/beetle infest, and thankfully I finally found your website!!!!! It seems one out of ten questions is on the same pest as I have, but, it was very hard to find anything on it at all. You provided detailed information, actual pictures to look at, and other recourses to search on the pest. This is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Ed Saugstad for offering opinion and providing info (over and over again, it seems to be a popular pest) I am so happy to finally find something useful and direct to the point. Many thanks to you!!!! Glenda from Minnesota

Hi,
I just wanted to say. Your website is amazing! I visit it so often that I've recommended it to others too. It is clear that no other website can compare to it. And does Ed Saugstad help with the website too? He pretty much answers everyone's questions and if it's just a hobby of his to answer bug questions for others then he's amazing too. Big thanks to you and Ed for keeping the website alive.
Cheers!
Christine

Dearest Mr. Cross
I live in Mass. and have been terrified that I have been getting kissing bugs and have even contacted the CDC then I stumbled on to your site and began searching. After over one hundred bugs later I found the Western conifer seed bug and I began to breath again. Thank you so much for this site. It is a true blessing.
Sincerely
Martha

THANK YOU! I tried over a dozen bug ID sites. None were as helpful as yours. We ID'ed "our" bug based on your response to someone from Manchester, England. The Drugstore beetle was a match. The hint about dog food and sry goods helped us find the infestation in the dog bisuits. We have been finding them all over the house, but mostly on light colored surfaces or near lighting fixtures in the evening. I feel so much better having figured this out, which I could not have done without your site. THANK YOU!
Katy

Thank you for maintaining this fabulously informative web site and thanks also to Ed Saugstad the retired entomologist, who replies with such useful information so freely! It is all very much appreciated. Sandra. Quinte West, Ontario.

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4358 Hi, My name is Brian, my daughter got bitten by this bug when she put on her garden gloves our location is Winnipeg. It is has now become infected and her hand is badly swollen. We would appreciate any help in identifying. Thanks. Brian

4357 Hi there, I moved into my apartment in Toronto last July and have been noticing tiny bugs dead and alive around my apartment. I did some googling on my own and have realized that they're not tiny cockroaches (Thank goodness) but probably carpet beetles? I purchased some traps from a department store so I can take good pictures of them. I'm confused because the apartment has laminate flooring running throughout, no carpet whatsoever. The place came furnished with a piece of a linen-clothed furniture, which I suspect to be the source of it, although these bugs have been found every where in the apartment. Thank you so much for your help! Roger

4356 I've gone through a couple of sites and have not seen a spider like this. The front legs and the back markings are rather distinctive. Location: about a mile from Lake Ontario (Webster, NY) Time / factors: I was cleaning the garage out today. I found this guy, mid-afternoon, out in the driveway among the shovels and things. Later he had gone. Thanks.
Keith

4355 Hello, my name is Lori and I live in Mint Hill, North Carolina. I found the bug crawling on a pair of pants in the master bedroom closet. Based on what I read and saw, I think it is a bed bug, but I am not positive. I have had a few visitors, but I wash my sheets in very hot water. I just started steam cleaning the carpets in the room behind the master closet. Could they have been here all that time? Then I checked on my bed, , and there was little blood marks in 2 spots on the white sheets. I have a long haired dachshund that sleeps in the bed too. Your website is a true blessing!! Thank you for any assistance you may provide. I'm really praying it's a beetle. Sincerely, Lori.

4354 Can you identify this insect Please. Thanks. Brendan.

4353 I found this bug in my bed it was barely alive I've been sifting through tons of pictures and it looks like it could be a drugstore or cigarette beetle but I'm worried its a cockroach. I haven't seen any other bugs besides some ants in the house and searched the rest of my room, I walked home tonight so perhaps it came in with my clothes I also had my windows open today (screen closed) which are right at my bed. I live in Guelph, Ontario we just recently moved into this house 2 weeks ago it is an older house. Perhaps it was tracked in during our move. Any help would be appreciated!
This a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae know as a May beetle or June bug; it likely wandered/flew in by accident. Their larvae are known as white grubs and some species can be serious lawn/turf pests as they feed on roots of grasses just below the soil surface. A heavily infested area of grass will turn brown, and can be rolled up like a carpet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4352 This is our 50 foot maple, have been putting borate-based treatments, not successful.
These beetles are in the family Cerambycidae (long-horned wood-boring beetles) but lack the usual long antennae typical of this family. They appear to be Neandra brunnea, known as the pole borer – see http://tinyurl.com/b47df76 for an image. They attack living trees which have exposed sapwood (usually at ground level) due to wounds or scars, but rarely attack trees that have healthy bark and are free from injuries. These beetles may be removed from infested trees by cutting out all of the wood through which the borer galleries extend, cleaning the cavity completely of any infested decayed wood, and then filling it with cement or other fill material. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4351 Hello! My name is Sara and I live I mid-town Toronto, Ontario. A few night ago, I noticed one of these on our bed. I thought maybe it was something our dog had brought in from outside (happens occasionally). Today, one seemed to drop out of thin air on to my iPad (which was on the kitchen table). With two of the same bug on different floors of the house, I thought it best to write in. They look like blood coloured tiny worms with many legs. Thank you in advance for any help in identifying these little ones, and any further advice you may have. Thanks again, Sara
This appears to be a tiny caterpillar, but does not look like any indoor pest species. Occasionally, moths that have wandered indoors will deposit their eggs on a ceiling, and when the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae may disperse and wander about until they expire. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4350 Dear pest control Canada. On April 29, 2013, I found this beautiful jumping spider in my home . about 14 miles south of San Francisco). Taken on the front sidewalk where we released the spider. One question: Do the markings on the Jumping Spiders back feign a scorpions tail? It sure looks that way. What a beautiful specimen, and colorful representation.
This jumping spider appears to be Phidippus johnsoni, see http://tinyurl.com/26em63r for some images. The dorsal markings of this species, like many other spiders, can be quite variable; I doubt if there is any ‘intent’ for it to mimic a scorpion’s tail. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4349 We found this spider in our pool straining basket today when opening our pool and transferred it to a glass jar. It's body measures approximately one inch. We think it could be a wolf spider but would love some clarification. Thank you. Kairi, Chatham, Ontario
This does indeed appear to be nice fat female wolf spider – I hope that you have released her so she can resume her duties as an unpaid volunteer pest controller. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4349 Hello, I found a couple of these curled up in the soil of my lawn when weeding today in Toronto Ontario Canada. It only had front legs and had a hard time getting around when I put it on the pavement to take a closer look. Stephanie.
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Ones of this nature commonly are called ‘white grubs,’ and some species can be serious lawn/turf pests. See http://tinyurl.com/arebk58 for an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture fact sheet that includes detailed control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4348 Hi, My name is Jenna Huffman and i live in Lac La Biche, Alberta. I've had this spider in my house and outside my house. This picture is taken of my outside door. I took this picture may 5,2013. It was in the 20 degree plus for temp. Since I've had a few in my house I'd like to know what kind of spider I'm dealing with.. Plus my husband is a wuss and is afraid it's a brown recluse.
This is a fishing spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes; likely Dolomedes triton, see http://tinyurl.com/azwta7l for an example. They are harmless to humans. And the range of the brown recluse comes nowhere near Alberta - see http://tinyurl.com/d2r8dx for a distribution map. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4347 I live in Chase, B.C. was touring my garden this evening and found my plant covered with these. they were not there earlier in the day. Only this particular plant is covered and they are on the siding of my house. What are they and should I be concerned? Thank you for your help. Jennifer
This is an aphid, also known as a plant louse. They all are feeders on the sap of plants, and can vary from nuisance pests to serious threats to plant health (some can vector viral diseases of plants). They also have a very high reproductive potential, so large numbers can appear relatively quickly. Control sometimes can be achieved simply by hitting them with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4346 Hi I’m Diego from California I found few of this insects on the back yard, can you help me to identify this insect? Thanks Very much for your help.
This is a flea. See http://tinyurl.com/3uv59 for a University of California publication that gives detailed information on fleas and their control. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4345 Hi- I live in Rochester, NY. This tiny critter is found inside many of the forming grape fruiting buds on our grape vines. The photo was taken May 6th. Thank you for trying to identify it. Jeff
This is a thrips (order Thysanoptera). Most are plant feeders with a few species being predators on other tiny arthropods. There are some species that can be damaging to grapes - see http://tinyurl.com/a9vp893 for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4344 Hi, This is Novin, the photo was taken in Calgary. Could you please identify it. Thanks
This a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); see no. 4331 for another example and http://tinyurl.com/nw92wz for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4343 Hello from Southern Oregon, I've seen a lot of the long centipede type critters but not the segmented one black on top and tan on the bottom. The more segmented one has six front legs, three on a side. The other has many legs. I assumed the multicolored one was attacking the black one but the segmented one got away and rolled into a defensive position when I tried to flip it over to photograph the underside. The segmented one and the black one are about 6 cm long.
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Phengodidae. You likely found one feeding on/attacking a spirobolid millipede, one of its preferred prey. See http://tinyurl.com/cond3tn for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4342 Hi, My name is Naomi and I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is very wet here and I do not have any screens on my windows. These photographs were taken in my cat's water fountain. They fly around like moths, and they are up 1.5 cm in length when they are on my walls with their wings folded. They drop and die when I spray them with a water/ivory snow powder mixture. These guys seem to have infested my home for about a year. They disappeared for a few months, and now they are back. They seem to concentrate in my utility room which has the dryer, and in my shower stall which has the flat drain. I have found them crawling in my cat's litter box. Would appreciate any advice about what they are and how to get rid of them.
It will take a specialist in microlepidoptera to pin a definitive i.d. on this specimen. That aside, about the only moths of this size that would be of any concern are clothes moths, and given the appearance of a hard, pointed ovipositor on this specimen, that diagnosis is unlikely. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4341 Hello, I am sending this photo of a bug I found crawling across our carpet. I haven't seen anything like it before. Just curious. I searched through photos but didn't find anything like it unless I missed it. Sorry if I did. We live in Oklahoma. Thanks! Donovan
This is a young earwig (order Dermaptera); see http://tinyurl.com/cku5kbt for an example. They basically are scavengers that can be nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4340 I’m in Boston, Ma and just discovered these in the common area basement of the building in which i reside. Any idea what it is? Thanks! Glenn.
This is a beetle known as the wharf borer (Narcerdes melanura; Coleoptera: Oedemeridae); their larvae usually are found in water-logged/rotting wood, see http://tinyurl.com/24bdoaz for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4339 hello. I found this guy in my bedroom. I could hear what was sounding like a fly on my window. I thought at first it was a wasp but then on closer examination, I doesn't have the usual markings. It was April, warmish during the day, cold at night. I am located in the London, Ontario area. It is not too big, I'm sorry I didn't get a length. But it is about the size of a wasp. Thank you. Sarah
This is a paper wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the genus Polistes; possibly P. fuscatus - see http://tinyurl.com/c3pe4qb for an image. These wasps construct open-ended nests, usually much smaller than those of aerial yellowjackets or bald-faced hornets; see http://tinyurl.com/cerssxz for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4338 I was asked to Identify this Bug, Found crawling up the brick, outside of house. Selwyn, Ontario, Ca.
This appears to be a larva of a firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae); see http://tinyurl.com/cfz44oz for an example. They are general predators/scavengers on other small invertebrates; see http://tinyurl.com/cerghqf. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4337 Hi there. I live in the Canadian region of Fort McMurray, Alberta. My family recently moved into an apartment where we are at the TOP floor. We have been encountering all sorts of bugs. Lots of small ones probably 5-10 a day I find in my house. The bugs I need someone to look at are what appears to be from the beetle family; however they are much smaller than most beetles I have encountered in my time. We find them dead or alive in our bathroom, kitchen cupboards, as well as kitchen. Thanks, Nick.
This is a German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae), an extremely common household pest. See http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4336 Hello! My name is Charlie, and I live in Sarasota Florida! These critters are slow moving millipede, an inch and half long, and curl up when disturbed. They appear year round inside, in any weather! They like to crawl up the walls, onto the ceiling, until they fall. Sometimes on me, no fun! Thanks for any info, Charlie.
Millipedes of this type are nuisance pests at worst, as they do no real damage to anything. All millipedes are susceptible to desiccation and can persist only in moist/humid environments. See http://tinyurl.com/agxyekx and http://tinyurl.com/cuvbefe for additional information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4335 Hi from NY. This was in a classroom. It's about one fourth of an inch. Is it a bed bug? If not what is it? Thanks. Maria
This is a small beetle, not a bed bug. I can’t be certain from this image, but it most likely is a ground beetle, the vast majority of which are general predators on other small arthropods. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4334 Hi, Attached is a pic of some type of Orb Spider…can you identify it specifically? During the summer in Charlotte North Carolina, they are reddish brown with stripes on their legs. But in the fall, some of them seem to turn this bright yellow. I assume it has something to do with having little spider babies. They build large webs between tree trunks, sometimes spanning 15-20 feet. Beautiful creatures, but I hate spiders. I saw similar spiders on your site, but nothing exactly like this. Thanks. Mark
This is a marbled orb weaver, Araneus marmoreus, an extremely widespread and common species that also exhibits a wide range of color patterns. See http://tinyurl.com/2g5c26y to get some idea of this variety. All orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4333 Hello, This photo was taken on April 28th, 2013. It was found in our kitchen although I have also seen them once in a while in our bedroom. We live in Montreal, Canada. It was approximately 2mm wide and about 5mm in length. 2 antenna and 6 legs as can be seen in the photo. Please help us identify the insect.
Thanks in advance, Nick Zampieri
This is a nymph of Reduvius personatus, an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter. They have specialized hairs on their body that act as attachment points for dust particles and other bits of debris that help as camouflage. This is a peridomestic species with a wide distribution, and reportedly has a very painful bite. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4332 Found this bug in bed room on the walls. Only 2 X1 mm size. Don't think this is bed bug, we live in northern California , Los Gatos, close to a park.
This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/c3bmaxg for a fact sheet and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4331 Hi, I have found 6 of these bugs in my house in Cantley, QC. Some in the basement and others through the house. Could you please tell me what it is. Colour is black and brown. A few mm long. Sandra
This appears to be a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); see http://tinyurl.com/nw92wz for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4330 Hi, my name is Kimberly and I live in Phoenix, AZ. It's starting to get really hot outside and lately, I have been noticing these bugs pop up in my room. At first, I was worried they were bed bugs, but on closer inspection, the markings on the body don't look like bed bugs. When I came home Friday evening I saw swarms of them all over the exterior walls of the house, all over the yard, gravel, on weeds and plants and the concrete. I have seen a few of these before while living in my last apartment, but not like this. I'd guess hundreds of thousands. It also seems they are all over the entire neighborhood too. They are really small, maybe less than a cm, and they eventually grow wings. They also like to swarm in the sunny/lighted and warm areas and die in the cold. I'm really hoping you can help! Thank you!
This is a nymph of a bug in the family Lygaeidae, possibly a false chinch bug in the genus Nysius. They feed primarily on weeds, but can be nuisance pests when they aggregate in large numbers. See http://tinyurl.com/d7k7fmb for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4329 Hello, I noticed this insect on the pavement while biking to work. What caught my attention was its size (5 inches long and about 2 inches wide). This was taken this morning in Brossard, Quebec. Could you help me identify it please?Ngai-Mint Kwan.
This is a giant water bug, Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae; likely Lethocerus americanus. They are voracious predators on other aquatic life forms, including other insects, tadpoles, and small minnows, and can deliver a very painful bite if handled carelessly. They are good fliers, and often are found far from any water source. See http://tinyurl.com/6rmzw5g for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4328 My name is Kelly. I live in Reno, NV. It is April, sunny days. I found 2 of these Bugs inside my house; One was on the floor in the Kitchen, The other Bug was on the wall in my Bathroom. The Body of the Bug is about 1 inch Long, and has many legs or antennas.
This is a house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, a very common and widespread species often found indoors where they prey on whatever insects and other arthropods they encounter. They reportedly can bite if mishandled, but the bite is not dangerous - see http://tinyurl.com/364hj for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4327 I was curious about a spider I've been seeing more and more frequently in Victoria, which I don't remember ever encountering growing up. Basically, it's thick bodied, with fairly stubby legs and it's shiny black and red (on its back at least - definitely not a black widow). It's quite aggressive -
it will lunge at you, and it's capable of tearing much larger spiders than itself to pieces. It appears to be fairly mobile - I often see it hunting on walls. I'm curious if you could tell me what it is. I don't see anything quite identical to it on your site (though I might have missed it) but it does look similar to some pictures identified as a possible female wolf spider. I'm wondering if it's an invasive species. Thanks in advance. Sarah.
This appears to be a hacklemash weaver (family Amaurobiidae); likely Callobius severus; see http://tinyurl.com/c85h6zd for an image. These spiders are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4326 Hi. We have a condo in Palm Bay Florida and have seen hundreds of these very small creatures at first thought they were fleas they are so small. Here is blown up view of them and they look like ants. They don't seem to be eating anything just traveling on the baseboards and upper crown molding but can't tell where they are coming from or going to. Mainly traveling between kitchen area and master bathroom. They don't like baby powder and laugh at the bug spray we used. They just walk around where we sprayed. Any ideas on what these guys are and what to do about them? Thanks, Bill
This appears to be Tapinoma melanocephalum, a very widespread species that has been introduced to many countries. See http://tinyurl.com/c7d2ptn for an image and http://tinyurl.com/d54uy2o for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4325 Hello, I stepped out of my apartment at Yonge and St Clair in Toronto today and was surprised to see hundreds and hundreds of peculiar orange coloured ants w tiny ant hills outside the back door. All of which went up in a matter of a night. Do you know what kind of ant this is? I grew up on a ravine and have seen many ants, red and black, but none so peculiarly coloured. Maybe it's my lack of knowledge but I thought it would be interesting to snap a photo and get your professional opinion. They look very unique. Hopefully you can provide some info. Thanks, John
These ants could be in the genus Lasius - see if you can detect an odour of citronella (http://tinyurl.com/d8o3zhs). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4324 Location is Cayuga, Ontario. We don't get these till summer usually, but this past week we had an almost 30 Celsius day & there they were on the back deck & front porch. We have had them only for the past few years. We see at least 10 at a time. I don't think they fly. They are pretty small, about 1 cm long. None in the house but they congregate on the door steps trying to get inside it seems. It is a nuisance, being there are so many at once. Thanks for any info you may have on these critters.
This appears to be an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), they basically are nuisance pests, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees and other members of the maple family. See http://tinyurl.com/8kj9m6h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4323 Melvin. Oklahoma. Spring. These bugs are smaller than a pencil eraser, maybe the size of a grain of rice but round in size and not flat. They are on the bed linens and pillows in the bedroom. We have them every year around this time and then seem to leave and come back.
This appears to be another varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) - see no. 4322. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4322 I live in Port Alberni British Columbia and for the last two years we have these bugs in our kitchen window, now they are in our living room window and quite a few of them. I keep discarding them but they keep coming back. Can you let me know what they are? Penny
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus; likely a varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) - see http://tinyurl.com/cf5aujk for an image and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4321 FYI this bug is 1-2 mm long with 6 legs. Notice them on the floor in various locations throughout my top floor apt in Chicago. Appear to be active at night. Thank You! Marcus
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); it appears to be a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides - see http://tinyurl.com/qeop74 for an image and http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4320 I found 2 of these in my house on my carpet today in Midland, Ontario. Please identify. Thank you. Arlene
This is an engorged female hard tick (family Ixodidae), such as a brown dog tick – see http://tinyurl.com/cu8akgf for an image. When fully engorged, they drop off their host to find a place to lay their eggs. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a dog tick that has had a blood meal. You should check your pets (and humans) for more and remove them as soon as possible. See this page for tips on removing ticks.

4319 I live in Mt. Tremblant, Laurentians Quebec next to Lake Tremblant. My house is all knotty pine inside(floors and walls) I have been noticing for the first time in 18 yrs living here an abundance of these insects inside the house. What are they and how do I get rid of them. Any info would be greatly appreciated. They land on me when reading in my bed at night but are seen during the day as well. We do not have a lot of indoor plants but do have a few. Please, please help!! Thank you, Marina
This is a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), a species that is submitted to this site quite frequently - you can see several other examples beginning with no. 4280. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4318 Good morning, We live in SWO and have noticed swarms of these bugs clinging to our deck in the backyard. They are very small (the size of a match head), have black bodies and wings. They flay in swarms and when they landed on our deck they were everywhere. We noticed them first show up last week after a few days of rain. Can you tell us what they are? Thank you very much! Sarah
These would be non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae); they often become nuisances when they occur in large numbers. Because their potential breeding sites are very extensive and often ecologically sensitive, effective control is nearly impossible. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4317 Hello , "On it's last legs" crawling up our back patio door. It's April 20 and we're located in central Alabama, USA. It was about 70 degrees when these photos were taken. Many thanks for this site. -- Best regards, Jack
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae) in the genus Meloe. They commonly are known as "oil beetles" because they release oily droplets (hemolymph/blood) from their joints when disturbed. This fluid this contains a chemical, cantharidin, that can cause blistering of tender skin. See http://tinyurl.com/d6araq9 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4316 Hi there...This pest appeared in our basement this winter (Gander, NL) The photo attached is two of them, one over its back and the second upside down. They are brown in colour, about half an inch in length, a hard shell. I can find three or four in a day in the basement. Have found one or two on the first floor of my house. They freeze when disturbed, do not appear to have any wings. Help! Thanks, Tony
These are click beetles (Coleoptera; Elateridae) and simply are accidental intruders rather than pests as they will not infest anything indoors. The larvae of some species can be garden/agricultural pests when they feed on roots and tubers of plants. These larvae often are called wireworms. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4315 Hi There. Looked down tonight and found this dead bug on my shirt. Very very small no idea where it came from or what it is. Thanks. Sandra.
Unfortunately, there is not enough detail in this image for me to say much other than it is a small beetle. About the only one of this general configuration that would be of any concern would be one of the flour beetles in the genus Tribolium, so just to be safe, you may want to check any flour and other dry food products in your pantry or other food storage areas. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4314 Hi, I'm a Canadian journalist in Singapore. I'm trying to identify this flying like beetle and what kind of insect it is. I saw it on a patio in the evening in Singapore near Mount Faber. It didn't move much and seemed pretty slow. Didn't see it use its wings. If you could tell me more about it that would be great. Thanks. Cheers. -Dorian
This is a cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae), an insect that spends much of its life underground as a nymph feeding on sap from tree roots. There are several species that can occur in Singapore; see http://tinyurl.com/a2ocbwk for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4313 Hello there, We are finding 20-25 living and nearly dead bugs that look like this every day, they seem to be moderately slow moving and they seem to die within a fairly short life cycle. Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada - in A downtown Condo (usually no bugs like this here) Size: ~3 millimetre long by 1 to 1.5 millimetre wide. Month: Feb-March 2013. Other notes: when we kill a live one they have a hard top membrane that makes a crunch sound. ANY help you can provide to help us identify whether these can be exterminated or what to do about getting rid of them would be greatly helpful. Best regards, Jeff
This appears to be one of the grain/granary weevils in the genus Sitophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). See http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4312 I live in St Catharines Ontario. I went out to pick up mail this morning and found easily 200 or more of these clustered on my front porch in the sunny spots. They fly, but have not spooked easily (probably still chilly). I am new in this area and have never seen anything like these before. I want to make sure they are not a dangerous (to agriculture or gardens, mostly) species. Susan Brown
These are nothing to be worried about, they are eastern boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae). They basically are nuisance pests, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees and other members of the maple family. See http://tinyurl.com/8kj9m6h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4311 I have found lots of these insects in my apartment I live in Humboldt Saskatchewan I noticed them about 3 months ago. Are you able to tell me what they are and how do I get rid of them? Sheldon
This is a nymph of a German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae), an extremely common household pest. See http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4310 I live in Scottsdale and this thing was in my backyard. It was about 1 inch long. It also had wings under the black and yellow. Hannah.
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae) known as the iron cross beetle; see http://tinyurl.com/d6ome5r for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4309 Found on sofa in home in San Francisco Bay Area. My wife "smushed" it, thus the damage. I thought it was about 6mm size but my wife claims bigger perhaps due to parts that came off. She thought it had pincers on both ends before she crushed it. I'm concerned it could be a bedbug (if she is mistaken about size)
Like no. 4302, this appears to be either a silverfish or firebrat (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) that has lost nearly all its appendages. These basically are nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4308 Hello, I love your webpage...SO HELPFUL! We noticed that we have tiny bugs in one of our window sills. They looked orange at first, but when we got out the macro lens and got the attached photos (bug 1 and bug 2), we realized that there were in fact 2 different types of bugs and they look quite different. They seem to be less than a millimeter long...definitely "insect" shaped and not round like a mite. I've attached a photo for perspective. They are way smaller than a hole in our window screen. They both appear to be able to jump...but I could be wrong about that. We live in San Diego, California. It is springtime (April) and the temp outside is in the 70s during the day, down to high 50's-ish in the evening. These little guys seem to crawl around in the window sill and sometimes up and down the frame. They're good at hiding, because they'll vanish for long periods then reappear. No swarms or anything...just occasional walking around. Can you help? We are thoroughly perplexed! Thanks much, Sandi
These are springtails, primitive arthropods in the order Collembola. These are not true insects, but are closely related. The larger image is in the family Entomobryidae; likely in the genus Entomobrya – see http://tinyurl.com/c3n64p6 for an example. These basically are harmless scavengers that may become nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4307 For the last 6 months, with a weekly frequency we see an insect (as in attached photo) walking around in our hall, bedroom, bathroom, close to ventilation holes (mainly on our second floor / carpet and bathroom tiles). They are dark brown, pretty quick and we don't see them flying/jumping. The one in the photo is taken on a kitchen towel, its about the size of an adult tomb-nail. We had an exterminator in last year for mice in April if this might be useful to know. Can you please tell us what it is and how we can ask our landlord to get rid of them, we have 3 little kids and like to make the house insect free as much as possible. Thanks for your help! Dennis
This is a primitive insect in the order Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura) and family Lepismatidae that includes silverfish and firebrats. These can be nuisance pests, but they seldom do any real damage. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4306 My name is Tara and I live in Edmonton, Alberta. We have found many of these insects in our attached garage mostly but have found a couple in our home. They are about the length of a dime and seem to come out only in the evening. Currently it is spring and we have snow on the ground. Any idea what they are? Are they harmful? How do we get rid of them? We have placed sticky pads in various locations around the garage and they fill up very quickly (yuck).
This is a terrestrial crustacean in the order Isopoda (woodlice, sowbugs, pillbugs, roly polys, etc.); they are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but sometimes can be nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4305 I’m in southwest Ohio and have found 4 of these in the house in the last 2 days. Two in the bedroom, 1 in hallway and 1 in kitchen. They are an inch long including the wings, about 3/4” without. Although they have wings, they have been found crawling on the floor and do not attempt to fly. I don’t recall ever seeing anything like these. Do I need to be concerned? Thanks for any info you can share.
These are reproductive (winged) carpenter ants (Camponotus sp.). They make their nests in wood that has been damaged/degraded, usually by moisture. Unlike termites, they do not attack sound wood, nor do they eat it; they simply create hollows/tunnels where they live. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4304 I had to pull up laminate flooring and found these guys all along the kitchen counter.
I also noticed whomever installed the floor left bits of dogfood and cigarette butts in between the laminate and cabinets. All has been cleaned but I would like to know what they are and if I should take further measures to sanitize the floor.
These are larvae and shed larval skins of carpet beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetles and allies)See http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4303 My name is Alura, I'm near Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. Found this little guy and many like him in an old farm house we are renting. They're about 1cm long. At first I saw one crawling around the sink in the bathroom in the basement, but I've found them on the carpet, one inside of a mug that was left sitting empty, crawling over all sorts of furniture in every room and they've been spotted upstairs and down....We aren't exactly "swarmed" with them, but it's clear there's a number of them in the house. We've noticed them since we moved in (December) along with a great deal of spiders.
This is a rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). This is a very large family that includes a great many species very similar in appearance that cannot be identified to species by images alone. The vast majority of these beetles (such as your specimen) are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4302 Hi my name is Shelley and I live in Brentwood CA I found this bug on the inside of my bathtub its the first time I've seen one and its been creeping me out I don't no what kind it is and I'm a clean person so I'm at a loss.... the weather has been nice like springtime high temps of 75.... the bug is in the toilet in the picture and its antennas broke off thank u.
This appears to be either a silverfish or firebrat (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) that has lost nearly all its appendages. These basically are nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Most references to these insects will still show them in the order Thysanura. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4301 Hi can you help with what type of bug this is? Thanks for your help!! -Eric.
When I first glanced at this image, I thought it could be a winged ant, but the more I look at it, the less certain I am. Please see if other images of it, particularly showing its antennae, are available, as well as giving some idea as to its size. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4300 We have found probably 6 of these in our house recently. We found a few of them on our bed at different times. They put off an odor if alarmed . They match the description of a bed bug but didn't really look like the pictures I saw. Can you tell me what they are?
The overall shape of this beetle appears to be consistent with that of spider beetles in the genus Ptinus - see http://tinyurl.com/bs3wxgt for an example. However, without some idea as to the size of this specimen, I cannot be certain. Spider beetles will feed on a very wide variety of organic materials, and can become pantry pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4299 Hi my name is Mike, I live in Wasilla, AK. My son Carson and I were splitting and stacking firewood and he found this inside a birch log. I am pretty sure it is dead, but seeing how it is still winter here, maybe it is just dormant and still hibernating. It is about 1.5" long, and had a large head with a segmented tail. At first I thought maybe a wood borer, but now I am thinking it may be a wood wasp. Some type of large larvae. Just curious in Alaska. Thank you for helping.
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Buprestidae (metallic wood-boring beetles). The larvae, which often are found under bark of trees, are known as flat-headed wood borers. Some species, such as the emerald ash borer, can be very serious timber pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4298 I live in Edmonton, Alberta and I have been finding these insects for the past couple of weeks in my home; one on the sofa, bed, dining room table, on papers on desk - so there doesn’t seem to be a set place on where they will be. They "freeze" when disturbed, then continue moving (they are rather slow) about 5 seconds later. One was in the freeze position long enough however, for me to think it was dead. After searching your website, I thought maybe it was similar to a Cigarette Beetle but it was hard to tell from the other photo if it was an exact match so I'm asking for your help in identification. I store most of my dry foods in glass or tupperware containers so if this is a dry food storage pest, I need to know. I would appreciate your help so much. Regards, Marion
This appears to be a drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum (Coleoptera: Anobiidae). This species, along with the very similar appearing cigarette beetle can infest a very wide variety of dry stored food products. See http://tinyurl.com/dba9uj for detailed information including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4297 My name is Tess. This insect was found in Kingston Ontario on 18 May 2012 on our deck outside.
This is a bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae), namely Bombylius major - see http://tinyurl.com/bnvs9c5 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4296 Hi there we are in Regina Saskatchewan and we found this on the carpet in our bedroom this morning can someone please help identify so we at least have an idea as to what we are dealing with. Tim
This is a two-spotted stink bug, Perillus bioculatus (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), a beneficial species that dines on Colorado potato beetle larvae - see http://tinyurl.com/alygdnp for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4295 I am hoping you can help me with my mystery. My name is Penny and I live in North Saanich, BC. This was found yesterday ( Mar.25th) when I was cleaning my windows. I opened the window full to clean the track and this was in there at the bottom-----about 2-3 inches long and packed very tight. I had to use a knife to force it out. It had a terrible smell. But could be because I had used water on the tracks from the inside. Now that it is dry, there is no odor. Whatever had been in there seems to have left and I hope went outside. I haven't noticed any different pests in the house. ( I do get spiders). I live close to the ocean in an old cottage but the wooden windows were replaced many years ago with white metal ones.
It seems that some insect(s) used your window track as a pupation site (the brittle brown objects are pieces of one or more pupal cases). The most commonly encountered insects doing this are grass-carrying wasps in the genus Isodontia, but their ‘nests’ differ quite a bit from yours - see http://tinyurl.com/bsbfovv for an image. Whatever the identity of your ‘guests,’ they are nothing that would cause any damage to your house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4294 My name is Duane and bugs have been biting my mother in her apartment here in Calgary since last summer. Though the bite marks seem typical of bed bugs - 1-2-3 bloody nips of the skin, there are no tell tale signs of Bed bugs nor spiders after several searches. We also had a Pest Co. come, search and fumigate. My sister caught this bug weeks later in the bedding when doing one of our searches. It had 4 legs and scurried across the sheet till she caught it in a jar. Then it flew a bit in there so it has wings. Then it pooped out the blood dropping. By the time I saw it the next day it had died and folded up into a seed like shape. My mother saw another one later fly into the room and disappear behind the dresser. The tweezers in pic are regular size- bug is 3/8" long.
Unfortunately, I cannot see any feature on this object that would enable me to even call it an insect; it looks more like a plant seed than anything else. Should you encounter any others, please try to obtain a clear close-up of an undamaged specimen. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4293 What is this please? Bob, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
This is a nymph of a cockroach, species uncertain but at least it is not either a German or brown-banded cockroach, which tend to be more difficult to control than other species. See http://tinyurl.com/cjgnz5q for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4292 We find one or two of these a year dead -petrified - and think nothing of it. Found one alive tonight on the bathroom door. Yuck! We live in Connecticut, USA. Debra
This appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), an introduced species that rapidly is becoming a pest in northeastern/central North America. See http://tinyurl.com/bpup9yz for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4291 Hello, Keeping finding these small bugs. Not sure where there coming from found in bathroom, bedroom, kitchen. There very tiny. Thanks, Heather
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/c3bmaxg for a fact sheet and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4290 Hello, my name is George. I live in Northwestern Ohio. I've found these very tiny bugs inside our cabinets at all times throughout the year. The bug kind of resembles a mini centipede. Except it appears to only have 6-8 legs under the front of the body. The rear drags behind. There is antenna on the rear of the bug also. It's a light brown with the head and rear being almost red. Usually there only found under the bottom cabinets in or on dishes. Usually there are tiny shreds of wood in the dishes as well. Like it was living in the wood?
This appears to be a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (carpet/hide/skin/larder beetles, etc.), see http://tinyurl.com/arkzcck for an example. Some species will make hollows in wood prior to pupating, but they do not actually eat the wood. These insects will feed on an extremely wide variety of organic matter, preferably that of animal origin, and often can be pantry pests as well as being injurious to fabrics containing wool or silk. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4289 We have hundreds of these attached to various surfaces outside: walls, tires, garbage cans, etc. They are attached at one end with an almost silky looking adhesive and from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and cigar shaped (rather than flat). They look like they're covered with extremely tiny sticks or other detritus. We do have also casebearers or "plastic bagworms" and these are definitely different. Bryan in SouthWest Florida.
These are true bagworms (Lepidoptera: Psychidae). Several species occur in Florida; most are defoliators (see http://tinyurl.com/bbhdw9q), but one species also feeds on other small arthropods - see http://tinyurl.com/cogj2gu for details. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4288 Hello. I'm in Montreal. I found these friends in my apartment. I have seen them in the hardwood floor, on my pillow, on the sofa and just saw several of them dead on the windowsill. It is winter here, there is little ventilation and the heater is on all the time. Please help me identify them. I have a small child, and need to know if I need to call a pest professional or if I can save us the exposure to hard chemicals. THANKS. Johana
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus; it looks like Attagenus fasciatus - see http://tinyurl.com/d9aso5e for an image and http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet on a close relative of this beetle that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4287 My name is Julie - this photo was taken about an hour northeast of Toronto, Ontario in my home. Picture taken today, March 19, 2013.
This is a tiny arachnid (the class of arthropods that includes ticks, mites, scorpions, etc.); it is a general predator on other small arthropods and completely harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/d9db3mw and http://tinyurl.com/cpl5h2l for additional information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4286 Hello, We recently bought a century home in Bradford, Ontario, Canada and have found quite a few of these spiders in our basement and a couple on the main floor. They are quite large in size. As we have children we are very concerned about what type of spider this is and if it is poisonous. Thank you so very much for your time and we sincerely appreciate any feedback you may have for us. Kind Regards, Tony
This appears to be a hacklemesh weaver (family Amaurobiidae). Like the vast majority of spiders, it has venom glands and so technically is venomous. However, it is not at all dangerous to humans. The only spider species in Ontario that has a medically significant bite is the northern black widow spider. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4285 Hi there, This pest has been seem quite frequently in my home in Calgary Alberta. It has 6 legs, two prongs on the bottom and very long antennae. They are very fast and like to hide. I've seen them mainly in the bathroom and also in a small storage closet and the kitchen. If you could help identify this insect or give any advice on how to get them out of my home, it would be appreciated immensely. Thanks, Carolyn
This is a German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae), an extremely common household pest. See http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4284 Hello, My name is Glenda. I live in Eastern Ontario. I find these around a heat register near my shower and in the basement in below this shower area. Also in the basement where the there is damp wood. They have a black head and looks like six legs just below the head. There does not appear to be legs along the body except for the head area. I see them in all seasons. There also seems to be small black dots in the same area that are too small to identify.
This is a larva of a small beetle. Unfortunately, the key characters needed to identify it cannot be seen in this image. Although it bears some resemblance to a flour beetle larva - see http://tinyurl.com/cdytxuz for an image - it would be odd to find those in the location you describe. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4283 Hello, I found this guy in my backyard on the deck. It moves about very slowly and has red eyes. It looks like its back is sewn together. I live in northern California. Any ideas as to what this is? Thanks! Sarah
This is a western leaf-footed bug, Leptoglossus zonatus, Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae – see http://tinyurl.com/ak3ykxh for images. This is a refreshing change from L. occidentalis! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4282 Hello, My name is Laura and I found this bug in my bedroom in downtown Toronto. I noticed a few bites on my body (3-4 on left arm on Wednesday, several on both ankles and a few on my upper leg and lower abdomen the following Monday). The bites are small red bumps that look and itch exactly like small mosquito bites. I thought I might have bed bugs but an inspection didn't find anything. I washed my sheets anyway and vacuumed my room thoroughly. As I was putting the sheets back on my bed, this little guy fell out onto the floor. I think he is a bit crunchy from going through the dryer (and I accidentally stepped on it so he is in pieces). Can you tell what type of bug it is? Might it be the culprit that was biting me?
These are the remains of a terrestrial crustacean in the order Isopoda (woodlice, sowbugs, pillbugs, roly polys, etc.); they are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter and would not be responsible for any bites. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4281 My name is Anne and I live in Nova Scotia near Halifax. I took a picture of this critter on March 11th of this year in my basement, the season being at the end of the winter. It had been quite wet recently and I was dealing with a lot of mostly dead woodlice at the time. It was approximately 1/4" to 3/8" and was dead. I had seen two more dead ones before but didn't look at them because of all the woodlice. I know woodlice are common here but no one seems to know what this is. Thanks,
I cannot be certain because of the condition and position of this specimen, but I believe that it could be another woodlouse (order Isopoda). It also bears some resemblance to an amphipod, another crustacean - see http://tinyurl.com/clwzaxa for an example - but these virtually are never found out of water. If at all possible, please submit another image taken from a different perspective. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4280 Hi. Laddi from Hudson qc. Usually alone and sluggish we find them all over the house.
This is a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), a very common submission to this site – you can see several other examples beginning with no. 4272. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4279 Hello, We’ve been seeing these flying bugs in our house in Ottawa over the past few weeks (Feb/March). They’re about an inch long, six legs, 2 antennae, red bodies with darker shell. Initially we just occasionally saw them, but now we’re killing as many as 10 per day. Any help would be much appreciated! Thank-you, Travis.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), likely in the tribe Clytini; this is not a species that would infest or otherwise harm anything indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4278 HI. We found this bug inside our home. It was dead when we found it. We live in Southeast Texas. The bug is inside a staple in this picture. Would Appreciate any help with the ID. Thanks
This is a young nymph of a cockroach, but I cannot tell which species it might be. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4277 Please find attached back view of a "bug" found in our house. It was still alive but on its way out. I hope it is not a cockroach...but is possible as we were at a hotel in Niagara Falls, ON recently. Today is March 10, 2013 and we live near Long Point, ON in a well kept log home. Appreciate any help identifying this and what we should do? Thanks, Frank.
This is a cockroach, but there is a chance that it is a female/nymph of a native wood cockroach in the genus Parcoblatta rather than one of the cosmopolitan pest species. Wood roaches often find their way indoors, but as a rule will not colonize there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

4276 Hi, my name is Rosa. I found these small round reddish brown bugs in my laundry room. They are very slow walking, do not fly or jump. I live in San Diego, CA. It is winter and the temperature varies from 38 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Thank you for your help.
Unfortunately, I cannot tell much from this image other than it is a small beetle of some kind. See http://tinyurl.com/clkujna to see if these resemble your ‘guests’, and if they don’t, please try to submit an image that clearly shows the upper side of the beetle as well as a scale of some kind for size. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4275 Hi- My name is Alicia and I'm from Channahon, IL., USA. Every now and then I find these bugs inside my home- almost always half dead. Mostly in my basement and a few times in my bedroom- never in my kitchen or cabinets. They are always the same size about 3/4 inch-no wings. Thank you.
This is a nymph of a cockroach, but I cannot tell for certain which species. See http://tinyurl.com/busuq28 for a University of Illinois fact sheet including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4274 My name is Barb and I live in Winnipeg, MB. I took down a ceiling light fixture on Feb. 12, 2013, and discovered these bugs inside. The light fixture is in the front entranceway to our home. I don’t know how long they’d been there, but other than a few legs missing from being dumped out of the globe, they were in pretty good shape. Thanks for your help.
These are darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), apparently in the genus Tenebrio that includes mealworms such as T. molitor. They occasionally can be pantry pests; see http://tinyurl.com/br9ps8r for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4273 Hi, I live in Ontario, Hammond area. I do not know how exactly these beetles got into our house in winter time, but I keep finding them in the basement area, and they find their way upstairs into living room and kitchen. Recently we brought some firewood into the house, that is one possibility. My husband is doing some renovations involving newly purchased lumber - another possibility that it came with lumber. When I spot one, I get rid of it, but they keep coming. Are these wood boring beetles of some sort? Thanks, Victoria
This is an elm borer, Saperda tridentata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); their larvae feed under the bark of elm trees - see http://tinyurl.com/c9uvhco for images. They will not infest or damage anything in your home. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4272 Found this in our home. What is it? Thanks Jason.
This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) in the genus Leptoglossus; apparently a western conifer seed bug, L. occidentalis. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4271 Hello, I am just wondering if you can help identify these bugs. Thanks Dillon
This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus. See http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4270 I saw these tiny critters floating and wriggling in the ice hole I was fishing out of. Located in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. Thanks, Cathy
These are springtails, primitive arthropods in the order Collembola. Some species, colloquially known as snow fleas, can be active at very low temperatures. Species such as these are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4269 Hello, I live in South Africa. I have had these tiny pests flying around my room for weeks now. I can't help but stay up at night trying to catch all of them and kill them. They are very small and fly around. I know the picture is not perfectly focused but they have a striped body with a red tip. Please help!!!!
This appears to be a vinegar/pomace fly (Diptera: Drosophilidae); this is a large family (there are some 1500 species in the genus Drosophila alone) - see http://tinyurl.com/bhq52vb for an example. They often become nuisance pests indoors wherever there is a suitable food source (usually overripe fruit of some kind), and often will fly into containers of wine left uncovered. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4268 My name is Jim. I live in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I've noticed these guys the last week or so (end of February, beginning of March). I've seen about 1-2 a day hanging around near the baseboards in my kitchen (which has a door leading to back yard), and in the front hall (which has our main door). Our weather has been kind of all over the place recently (cold, warm, then back again) for the last little bit, and I noticed them shortly after a bit of a warm spell. Anyone have any idea what these things are, and how to get rid of them? Thanks.
It’s hard to tell from this image (the insect appears to have been damaged), but it could be a grain beetle in the genus Oryzaephilus - see http://tinyurl.com/acgxgpo for an image and http://tinyurl.com/yl2hx6l for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4267 The children in one of our Reception classes (equivalent to KG) found this bug in our outdoor area today. None of us have ever seen anything like it before. It may have lost parts of some legs as it was manhandled somewhat before we got to it! We are in the United Arab Emirates. Any help would be gratefully received. Thank you. Sarah. Repton School, Dubai
This is a mole cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae); likely a Gryllotalpa sp. They dig shallow tunnels where they feed on underground portions of plants. Some species can be serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4266 What kind of a bug is this? Aiden. Smithers BC. Canada
This is another example of an isopod - see no. 4265. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4265 I live in Brampton Ontario. I have recently found the odd one of these in our apartment mostly crawling in the bedroom carpet. It moves slow & is light brown & grayish. Maria
This is a terrestrial crustacean in the order Isopoda, commonly known as sowbugs, pillbugs, woodlice, roly polys, etc. They are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but may be considered nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4264 My name is Julea, and I'm from Toronto, Ontario. I found this bug in my cupboard, and have not seen any others, but I'm wondering what it is (since down town Toronto often has many issues with bugs in apartments). This little bug (very small - 1-2mm long) often gets itself flipped over on its back and can't get back up. It's very slow moving. No wings. It's back looks like a sac of liquid, it's slightly red/brown, and it seems like you can look right through it to it's legs. Thank you for your help! Julea
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); it appears to be a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides - see http://tinyurl.com/qeop74 for an image and http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4263 It was inside my house on my son’s bed. Location Utah. Janet
This beetle is in the family Dermestidae (carpet/skin/larder beetles and allies); it looks like Anthrenus lepidus - see http://tinyurl.com/cmyqffx for an image. The larvae of several species of beetles in this family will feed on an extremely wide variety of organic materials including woolen/silk fabrics, furs, hides, feathers, and some dry stored food products; see http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes general control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4262 I have this type of pest my house. They climb the walls and fly. I live in Hastings County Ontario. Greg
This is an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), they basically are nuisance pests, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees and other members of the maple family. See http://tinyurl.com/8kj9m6h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4261 Found this bug outside in Florida don't know what it is pretty cool has six legs and can jump at least 3-4 feet high please help identify what it is. D.B.
This is a nymph of a leafhopper (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae); see http://tinyurl.com/ca5xw7p for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4260 These are on my shower floor. We can take a shower and 10 minutes later they are everywhere. We live in Poplarville, MS. Our home is only 5 years old and we have never had this problem before. Please help! Sincerely, Brandie and Family.
These appear to be reproductive termites (swarmers) that have shed their wings. I suggest that you contact a professional termite control company and have your premises inspected, See http://tinyurl.com/a62nqpv for a starting point. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4259 This bug stung me last night and it packs a good wollop. Felt like a bee sting. I believe it was in some baby’s breath or roses given to my daughter. After I moved the flowers I got stung and grabbed my neck where I had crushed this fella. Please let me know if possible what it is. Richard
This obviously is a small wasp, but I cannot see enough features that would allow a more definitive identification. Because of its somewhat ant-like appearance, it might be in the family Bethylidae - see http://tinyurl.com/aov6839 for an example. Despite the pain, their stings are not dangerous. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4258 Has red eyes. Bottom of wings and top of body red. 1”. Found crawling around the carpeted stairs leading to the upstairs bedrooms. Very cold outside. Greg. Murrieta, California
This is Zelus renardii, an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the leafhopper assassin bug - see http://tinyurl.com/bsqgxes for images. They are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4257 I live in Vancouver BC and have found these bugs in my apartment. They are in my kitchen and seem to always be by the microwave, sink, and on my countertops. They are slow and don't fly. I thought they were bed bugs but now think they're cockroaches. Any opinions would be appreciated. I'm seeing an alarming amount of them and will be contacting my landlord for help! Thanks. Christine.
This is a very young cockroach nymph, likely that of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica - see no. 4255. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4256 Found in bed in hotel in Dahab Egypt. Paul
This is one of the several species of cricket (Orthoptera:Gryllidae) known as a field cricket; likely Gryllus bimaculatus - see http://tinyurl.com/9wzd34c for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4255 Hello: I have been finding these bugs in my kitchen at night and I'm not sure where they are coming from or what is attracting them. I am in Nova Scotia, Canada. How can I get rid of them? Thanks, Jason
This is a nymph of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica -see http://tinyurl.com/bgj6pc4 for an image and http://tinyurl.com/knhlzofor a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4254 Hi, Grandaughter said this spider jumped on her and bit her on the shoulder. Taken in Springhill, Nova Scotia on February 17, 2013 during Nor'easter snowstorm. We are worried it could be a brown recluse. Don't care if the pictures are published or not, just want to know what kind of spider it is and if the bite is venomous. She still has the spider and we told her to put it in a container for now. Thanks, Richard.
This is a harmless orb weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, perhaps A. diadematus - see http://tinyurl.com/clsogeq for an image. These spiders are incapable of jumping; it may have been brushed off its web. Like the vast majority of spiders, it technically is venomous as it has venom glands, but its bite is of no consequence to humans. To the best of my knowledge, there are no spiders dangerous to humans in Nova Scotia although a few can have a painful bite. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4253 Hello, Hoping you can help ID this critter. We've seen a few in the bathroom as well as other areas in the house. They can run very fast. The smallest we've seen are about 3mm and the one in the picture about 8 or 10mm. We've been renovating and that's when we noticed them. Any help is definitely appreciated. Thx! Dave
This is a primitive insect in the order Zygentoma (formerly Thysanura); some species such as silverfish and firebrats can be nuisance pests, but they seldom do any real damage. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4252 I found these empty shells stuck to the wall behind my dresser. I'm hoping you can figure out what they are from the shell. I think this is what may be biting me and my daughter. thank you.
These are pupae of a small species of fly, but not of any kind that would bite. I suspect that there was some organic material in that general area that the fly larvae had fed upon before moving away from it and undergoing pupation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4251 Hi , Here is pix of my "one a day" bugs, every day a new one on my stove. House built in 1860, they are 1/2 " approx. And thanks for the great site! Lorrie H., Frederick Maryland.
This is a millipede, apparently a polydesmid. The vast majority of these are harmless scavengers that may become nuisance pests when they occur indoors, but at least one species, known as the garden millipede, can cause damage to tender plants. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4250 I live in North York Toronto area. I have these insects infesting my apartment, they are every where, inside the closet, on clothes, in cereals, almonds, walnuts, lentils, corners of walls, roofs, aquarium cover. So many times I have cleaned up but they are resilient. They initially start up as a white web inside which you can see a brown color cocoon, then they turn into larvae which you can see in the picture and finally into a flying insect. What are they and how to get rid of them? Thanks. Aziz.
These are Indianmeal moths (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a very common pantry pest that will attack a wide range of dry stored food products. The larvae, when full grown, often will wander quite some distance from their food source before spinning a loose cocoon (often where a ceiling and wall meet) and pupating. See http://tinyurl.com/c5r4zzh on this web site for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4249 Hi my name is Katherine and I found this bug today down in the basement of our house (finished) It was on the carpet. Denver Colorado, USA. February 11th 2013. 35-55 degrees for the past few weeks. 60-68 degrees in the basement. We do have the deep window wells and the house is about 10 years old.
This is a very dead female cricket that accidentally wandered indoors. This is a very common occurrence, and nothing to worry about. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4248 Hello. I'm located in southeastern Pennsylvania. This insect was found on our loading dock in the spring of 2012. It was approximately 3 inches long. A larger specimen was found inside our warehouse the same day which measured about 5-6 inches. What are they? Thank you!
This is a female eastern dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus (Megaloptera: Corydalidae). Female dobsonflies have short and more powerful jaws, and their bite can draw blood if you handle them carelessly, but the fearsome-looking mandibles of male dobsonflies (see http://tinyurl.com/aqktfxn) actually are harmless, they are incapable of giving one anything more than a light pinch. Their larvae are aquatic and known as hellgrammites, they also can have a painful bite. See http://tinyurl.com/2ds89l5 and http://tinyurl.com/256o98e for more detailed information on these fascinating creatures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4247 My daughter found this in her bathroom over the weekend. I’ve tried many pest sights but I do not see anything that looks like this. We live in Central Virginia. Thank you. LaDonna
This is a checkered beetle (Coleoptera: Cleridae); they are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial. This one appears to be in the genus Enoclerus - see http://tinyurl.com/acpndeq for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4246 This spider was found in south Mozambique Ponta Do Ouro, i have never seen a spider with these marks before, the closest spider is the black widow with this large red circle on its back. Thank you. Andrie
Not sure of its identity, but not at all related to the widow/button spiders in the family Theridiidae. Will try to add more later. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Addendum: Although it has a superficial resemblance to a velvet spider (family Eresidae), the only species in that family having even a vaguely similar colour pattern is a native of Greece. I hope that someone else will recognize this specimen. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4245 I’ve found him on my desk, sorry I couldn’t find anything else for size comparison but that coin. We’re wondering if it’s a wood-munching bug. I’ve found him on my desk this morning. I released him outside our office near a tiny bush. Hope he’ll be okay there. Anna Maria. London England.
This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetles and allies. See http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4244 Hello – please help me identify this bug. We’ve found and killed about 8 of them over the weekend. Location: Ottawa, Canada. Winter (it’s very cold in February) Bugs found inside – they can fly but haven’t really been flying around. They have 6 legs. 2 antennae on their head point straight – no curve/bend in antennae. Black body with white stripes. Wings are see-through with a grey-ish tint. Overall size is about 2/3rds of a Canadian loonie / 1$ coin. I had some firewood sitting in our living room since December. Someone suggested maybe they thawed or hatched from the wood – I’ve since moved this back out into the frozen garage. Others have suggested they might be a type of wasp. Thanks, Kevin.
This is a wood wasp in the family Xiphydriidae; perhaps Xiphydria maculata - see http://tinyurl.com/byksrgk for an image. Unlike wood wasps in the family Siricidae (horntails), these bore only in dead trees, and thus cause no real harm. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4243 This bug was found on the wall of my apartment in the living room. I’m curious about this bug. I would like to know what type it is. Can anyone tell me what it is? Thanks very much for your help! Diego from California.
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/c3bmaxg for a fact sheet and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4242 Please help. This is the 5th bug I have found in my house. What is it? Vanessa.
This is a young cockroach nymph, perhaps that of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica - see http://tinyurl.com/bgj6pc4 for an image and http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4241 Coming from ceiling of apartment home in Orlando fl month Feb.. beetle like roaches around floor, wall creases, and ceiling.
This is a true bug in the family Cimicidae (bed bugs, bat bugs, etc.) See http://tinyurl.com/5l5y95 for a very comprehensive publication on bed bugs. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4240 Hi My name is Kayla and i live in St. John's Newfoundland and my boyfriends father cuts a lot of wood in order to heat the house and the wood stove is downstairs in the basement where the wood is kept and everyday he is finding more and more of these insects and he is only finding them downstairs and they are mainly found by the wood or by the windows .. Any idea what they are ?
I suspect that this could be a wood wasp, but really need to see a clearer image, including a lateral (side) view. Also, what is its approximate length? This is nothing that would infest anything in your home. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4239 Hi my name is Jose and I'm located in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I found this spider in the corner of a wall at a indoor storage facility. It is a climate controlled building and the temperature always stays between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I I would really like to know if this spider is harmless or dangerous. Thank you very much!
This spider appears to be in the genus Steatoda, perhaps Steatoda triangulosa - see http://tinyurl.com/byg92fl for an example. They can resemble the brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus), but that species has a prominent orange mark on the underside of its abdomen - see http://tinyurl.com/a29jze3 Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4238 Several of these tiny insects, both living and deceased, were found on a dormant oleander plant that has been kept indoors during the winter ( Location: Southern Ontario, Canada, ; Date: February 6, 2013.) Its shape is very similar to that of a sow bug (wood louse), but it measures only 3mm in length and has lighter coloring. Its many white legs are short and its movement across the white paper on which it was photographed was extremely slow, traveling approximately one inch in 30 seconds. There were no visible antennae, but it had an ovipositor. Thank you for any further info, including name, that you can provide.
This is a mealybug (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Pseudococcidae), a sap-sucking relative of aphids. They lack an ovipositor, what you see on its hind end are waxy filaments secreted by the insect. See http://tinyurl.com/a9b9e9d for control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4237 These things are all around a wall that has plants and flowers around it, when I went tried to scrape them off, some of them i guess had an insect inside it and started flying but some don't have any, a couple days later they were back again. I live in Miami Florida. Thank You. Manuel.
These look like grass bagworms, Psyche casta (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/a227fkj for an image and information. These are not serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4236 Hey. Just had this crawling on our windowsill. Looks a bit more like a beetle then a cockroach but I'm still eager to know what it is. Hope you can identify it. Ellen.
Still another example of a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see no. 4183 for another example. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4235 My name is Crystal and this creature was found on my bathroom counter laying eggs (I think) in Ottawa on a warm day. I leave my balcony door open and so this bug must have easily flown inside. Her legs look furry, kind of like a pipe cleaner at the upper thigh, and she has a long snout (reminds me of a sea horse) that you can barely make out in this picture but is somewhat pointing down as one of her legs looks like it is reaching over her head. I can't remember, and the picture doesn't really show it, but I think she only had six legs? She looked liked she was in pain as these pods came out of her, and they did not seem to move so why I think they are eggs. She was about the size of the tip of my pinky finger from the knuckle, so maybe about an inch or less. I've been looking on your site and elsewhere on the Internet and cannot find what bug this could be. Any help in identifying it would be greatly appreciated.
This one has me puzzled. Unless you can provide another image showing more detail, I can only guess that it might be a fly in the family Empididae - see http://tinyurl.com/ahz59fy for an example. Members of this family have elongated mouthparts and are predatory on other arthropods. I’m also going to guess that the small white objects may be larvae of a parasitic wasp emerging from the fly’s body. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4234 This thing was crawling on my bedroom floor. I live in Winnipeg MB CANADA. It's February 3 and -20 C outside. Andy, I found it Sunday Feb. 3. Andy.
This is a nymph of Reduvius personatus, an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter. They have specialized hairs on their body that act as attachment points for dust particles and other bits of debris that help as camouflage. See no. 3999 for a specimen with more ‘cover.’ Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4233 This grub and another were found in ground and above. the segmented head moves when it is lifted. otherwise it is still. Please help. very odd and large!
This is a pupa of a large moth in the family Sphingidae, such as a tomato or tobacco hornworm – see http://tinyurl.com/adgxorh for an example. Mature larvae burrow into loose soil before molting and becoming pupae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4232 Sorry. No information submitted with this photo.
This looks like a winter stonefly in the family Taeniopterygidae - see http://tinyurl.com/ae3ye6r for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4231 Found in house behind furniture. From 1 to 20. Mostly 2-3 at a time. Also in the folds of the cover to a futon. Not found in any other place in the house. Location: Kaneohe, Hawaii. Island of Oahu
Measurement: 1/2 in in length. 1/8 in. Width. They are gray to white. They move but quite slowly.
MAHALO! Chuck & Julie
This a larva (maggot) of a fly, but I cannot tell exactly what kind. Search the general area where you are finding them for any type of decomposing organic matter, of either plant or animal origin. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4230 I found these bugs in my apartment in Edmonton Alberta in January. What could they be? Jill.
This is a German cockroach, Blatella germanica - see http://tinyurl.com/bgj6pc4 for an image and http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4229 Found outside my front door. Fraser Valley, BC. Scott.
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae) in the genus Meloe. They commonly are known as "oil beetles" because they release oily droplets (hemolymph/blood) from their joints when disturbed. This fluid this contains a chemical, cantharidin, that can cause blistering of tender skin. See http://tinyurl.com/d6araq9 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4228 I'm Kelly from Calgary, AB. These guys showed up in my indoor worm bin recently. They are approx. a 1/2cm long. Thanks for your time. Kelly
I cannot see enough detail to be confident of identification, but it could be a sap beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/bhybwap for an example. It does not look like anything that would harm the worms. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4227 Location: Montreal. January (winter) Found on the floor of the closet and crawl space in my apartment. Appear to be grey/silver - ish to the eye but seem brown in the photos? I found these bugs dead from bug poison and then stored them in the freezer for identification. They probably lost some legs/antennae in the process before the photo was taken. In the summer/fall I was seeing much smaller white bugs of a similar shape and am wondering if those were perhaps the babies of these? Do these bugs bite humans and/or pets? Thanks for your help. Shifra
Like No. 4224, this appears to be a long-dead silverfish or relative that has had nearly all its appendages removed. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4226 Hello from the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. We seldom have any pest problem in the condo complex, but this winter has been crazy with bugs I have never seen. These in the photo were lying near a baseboard after I sprayed with a pesticide. For perspective, all would fit on nickel. Their exo-skeleton (?) is hard, and looks and feels more like a sea-shell than an insect – but I am sure they are not sea-shells ! After I took the photo , I found several more, including two solid white ones, and two of the gray variety that seemed to be carrying an egg sac on both sides of the “shell”. The eggs were white and oval. I am the only one in the building having this problem. It started in September, about the time I received a large shipment of furniture that traveled for 20 day from California in a freight truck. This may just be coincidental and mis-leading ! Any ideas what this is ?....Thanks.....Jeff
Whatever these are, they do not appear to be insect/arthropod related in any way. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4225 Hi, I found this silverfish on the rail of my terrace at my hotel in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). I have never seen a completely white silverfish and hope you can help me to determine the correct latin species name for my records. Thank you! Kind regards, Paul
I suspect that the pale color of this specimen is a result of its having recently molted, rather than being a specific character for identification purposes. As I am uncertain as to how to distinguish between the genera Lepisma (which includes the cosmopolitan silverfish) and Ctenolepisma (which also occurs in the Canary Islands), I cannot provide a more specific identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4224 My name is Stephanie and I am in Lansing, Michigan. I have these small whitish bugs that I see on the floor of my carpeted basement office. They hide in dark places and then run out when disturbed. They are quite fast. I just started noticing them the past few weeks (January) but they may have been there before that. Not sure if it is seasonal. What is it? Thanks.
This appears to be the remains of a very dead silverfish or relative (Zygentoma – formerly Thysanura: Lepismatidae), very common nuisance pests. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4223 Found these guys in and around my home in Regina, Sk. What are they? Brett.
This is a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae) carrying its newly hatched young on its back. This habit appears to provide the spiderlings with some degree of protection until they depart to make their own fortune. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4222 Hi, I live in Zurich Switzerland, and I found this bug in one of the basement rooms. The room is quite dry and habitable. They are very small about 1 to 1.5 millimeters. I took the picture through a microscope. Two are with front light and the other with background light. Thanks for your help, Jessica
I am not at all confident about this one – as I think that I can see two pair of wings to go along with the long antennae, I’m simply going to guess that it could be a very small parasitic wasp – see http://tinyurl.com/bf8abqq for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4221 An eighth of an inch long, maybe up to a quarter of an inch -- January 2013 in my Bronx, New York apartment -- appear almost black (although clearly strobe to brown) -- many many of them. Ernest L.
These appear to be saw-toothed grain beetles, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae). The merchant grain beetle, O. mercator, is very similar in appearance, and both species can be pantry pests. See http://tinyurl.com/yl2hx6l for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4220 Found in the San Francisco bay area (Marin county) in my daughter's hair while she was taking a shower. Approximately the size of a US nickel. Roy.
Although I would like to see a dorsal view for confirmation, this appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), an introduced species that rapidly is becoming a pest in northeastern/central North America and may be becoming established on the west coast as well. See http://tinyurl.com/buyvtjt for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4219 There are a few of these little guys all over my house. They are flat and have worm like heads coming out the front, and they can change direction by letting a head come out the other end as well. Any ideas please??? Johannesburg, South Africa. January summer.
This is a case-bearing caterpillar in the family Tineidae and the genus Phereoeca. Collectively known as household casebearers, they feed primarily on old spider webs and the like. See http://tinyurl.com/dn4jn5 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4218 I live in Labrador, NL in a very cold climate and have recently noticed these tiny black winged insects on the window sills of my house. They are actually very tiny bugs, their length is about the width of 2 pennies stacked together. I had recently had them identified by XXXXX Canada as Chalcidid wasps; however, they recommended no treatment????? Is it possible to have the ID of this insect identified and could someone please suggest a treatment or control measure for these? I do have a lot of shrubs and plants in in my front and back garden as I love to garden in the summertime. Any help you can provide me would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you. Regards, Renee
This wasp does not appear to be a chalcidid wasp; there are several other families of wasps that include species with this general appearance, but the distinguishing characters cannot be seen in this image. It either is a parasite/hyperparasite on other insects, or possibly even a gall-forming species in the family Cynipidae. In either case, no specific control can be recommended. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4217 Found crawling inside family room January 25/2013 at 1:30 am. Thank you, Michael F.
This is a house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), a general predator on other small arthropods. They reportedly can bite if mishandled, but the bite is not dangerous - see http://tinyurl.com/364hj for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4216 I live in Vancouver BC. The tiny little, less than a 16^th of an inch, sized bugs started to show up in our basement laundry room early in January. To the naked eye they look like tiny black dots on the floor. The majority do not move more than 12 inches from the corner they originate from, a few migrate 6 to 8 feet in a 24 hour period, normally staying on the floor with the occasional one moving up the wall. They are easily wiped up with a damp cloth as they do not really move and in a 24 hour period as many as 20 to 30 will reappear. In the past I have noticed the occasional spider in the same area, but normally in the summer months. Any advice on how to get rid of them and what they are is greatly appreciated. Trevor.
This is an aphid (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae), and what they might be doing in your basement is a mystery to me. Aphids are all sap feeders on plants, and the usual way they get indoors is on potted plants, cut flowers, and the like, but that would seem unlikely at this time of year. At any rate, they are easily controlled simply by wiping up with a damp cloth or an application of insecticidal soap. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4215 Hi, I was in my kitchen this evening, wrapping everything up for bed time and something caught the corner of my eye on the kitchen floor. I live in Dublin Ireland and the photos were taken on the 22nd January 2013 just before midnight. Temperature is just below freezing. The length of the critter I found is about 14mm including it's feelers. They came out from around the area of the fridge/freezer. Would you have any idea what this is? Kind regards, J
This is a bristletail (order Thysanura) in the family Lepismatidae; likely a silverfish, Lepisma saccharina, a cosmopolitan nuisance pest. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4214 Found indoors in winter in southern California. It was wrapped in a tube of lint. Was climbing up the wall. Deborah.
This appears to be a household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). Although closely related to clothes moths, these insects seem to prefer chowing down on old cobwebs and the like instead of your finest woolens. See http://tinyurl.com/dn4jn5 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4213 I live in Austin, TX and I have found a lot of these little guys in my house. Can you please help me find out what they are and how to get rid of them? Thanks for your help. Angie
This appears to be an alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); see http://tinyurl.com/a38scb3 for an image. This is an introduced species that can be a very serious pest on alfalfa; the adults that wander indoors will do no harm there, simply vacuum them up and dispose of them. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4212 Hello, My name is Ethan. I'm located in Charlotte, NC and recently (it is winter here, temps in the 30-40F) have noticed these small insects invading the bathroom by the window and on the wall. They are all over the outside of the house as well. They have a plump, gray (with slightly darker gray stripes), round (not flat) teardrop shaped body about .25" - .38" long, wingless, with a tiny head, and propped up on 6 very thin legs in the front (like a WW2 airplane). The exoskeleton is not hard and shiny, appears soft. They are not afraid of the light, hardly move at all, and when they actually do, it's extremely slow. Many eventually die in place after a couple days. But their numbers are noticeably increasing... They don't appear to be harmful, but it's disconcerting since I've lived in this house for 9 years and have never seen them before. .... Actually, they don't seem "Beetle-like" at all.... their body shape/ head and leg location makes it look like it should have wings, but none of them do (perhaps part of a life cycle?) Thanks!
This is a wingless female moth in the family Geometridae known as the fall cankerworm, Alsophila pometaria. Their caterpillars can be serious defoliators of several tree species; see http://tinyurl.com/amex5m2 for nore detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4211 This picture was taken in El Salvador home. It just sat there and did not do anything. No one else knows the species, if it is harmless or not. Pease identify this spider. Thank you. Peter.
This is an arachnid in the order Amblypigi, commonly known as tailless whip scorpions or whip spiders. They are general predators on other arthropods, overpowering their prey with physical force, as they lack venom or any stinging apparatus, ansd are completely harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/azmmqgy for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4210 Could u please tell me what u think it is? And how i can get rid of it? I have found one on my wall and two i my bed on top of my sheets. I'm freaking out! Any help would be appreciated.
This is a bristletail (order Thysanura) in the family Lepismatidae - see http://tinyurl.com/c7eqxv9 for an image. This family includes the cosmopolitan nuisance pests, silverfish and firebrats. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4209 Found this in my daughters room in Niagara Falls Ontario, never seen one like this before and cant seem to find it on the net, any ideal s or info would be cool, I have it in a container, did nt want to put it outside and kill it unless need be. Bill.
This is a woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata), a species that preys exclusively upon woodlice (terrestrial crustaceans also known as sowbugs, pillbugs, roly polys, etc.). They have quite large fangs for their size, and can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/aklvhyf for additional information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4208 I hope you can help me ID this. I live in Manitoba. It is winter and I found this guy crawling up my sofa. I'm a total insectophobe and would love to know this thing isn't damaging my house/ or presents a health hazard. Thanks so much--Toni
This is Neoclytus acuminatus, a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) known as the red-headed or banded ash borer. Their larvae will feed in the wood of several species of hardwood trees, primarily ones already dying or cut down, as well as unseasoned lumber that still has some bark on it. They will not infest or otherwise damage houses. See http://tinyurl.com/asdcbub for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4207 These flies are swarming in my birch trees as well as my gooseberry. Can you identify them for me. Thank you. Beulah.
The image is not clear enough to be certain, but this could be a sawfly in the family Argidae - see http://tinyurl.com/b22rovz for an example. Their larvae resemble small caterpillars - see http://tinyurl.com/anlxzdu and some can be serious defoliators. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4206 I found this pest in a box of clothing (mostly cloth diapers). There were about 3 live ones and 5 dead ones. This box was not touched for a year. Is this pest dangerous? Can I still use the clothing safely? The pest is about 1cm in length. January, indoors, Ontario. Thanks!!
This is a larva of carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae); likely in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetle and allies). See http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4205 I found this insect running on my bed. I would like help to identify this insect. Can you help me to identify it? Thanks very much!!! Diego from California
This is a grain beetle (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) in the genus Oryzaephilus. There are two species in this genus, the saw-toothed grain beetle (O. surinamensis) and the merchant grain beetle (O. mercator) that are difficult to separate on appearance alone. Both can be pantry pests; see http://tinyurl.com/yl2hx6l for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4204 What kind of mouse is in the photo? Mouse was caught and killed by our house cats on Dec 25-26 after being discovered on xmas eve. It is believed that the mouse might have been in the house since Dec 20? Thank you. James
White fur on the underside of the body and on the bottom side of the tail is indicative of deer mice. Large ears are another characteristic. Compare your specimen with others on this web page: Deer mice.
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This mouse definitely is in the genus Peromyscus, which includes deer mice and several other species; see http://tinyurl.com/azm5grh for detailed information. Among other things, some mice in this genus serve as reservoirs for hantaviruses (causative agents for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome - see http://tinyurl.com/a5xhm5o) and can play an important role in the epidemiology of Lyme disease - see http://tinyurl.com/atxod9u. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4203 Hi, please help I've found this flying bug in my laundry room, kitchen ceiling and bathrooms. One in the photo is the bug. The other is I'm guessing the larva?? The larva has a black dot on one end. Please help with info on what they are and how to get rid of them. Its January. Colchester Ontario.
These are a larva and adult of an Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a common pantry pest whose larvae will infest a wide variety of dry food products, especially grain-derived. See http://tinyurl.com/c5r4zzh on this web site for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4202 Photo taken 16 January 2013, in the house where we have some firewood stacked; in Sackville, NB; current outdoor temperature is -4C; current indoor temperature is 19C; estimated size is 3.5-4 cm. Thanks so much! -- Lynn & Mike
This is a wasp in the family Ichneumonidae; all species in this family are parasitic on other arthropods, primarily other insects - see http://tinyurl.com/9wr8pc2 for more detailed information.

4201 Hi My Name is Bridget and I live in New Jersey USA it was summer time and I found this bee I never seen one around here before and I was wondering what it was This is the actual size. Please see attached. Thank you. Bridget.
This is a clear-winged sphinx moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) in the genus Hemaris, perhaps Hemaris diffinis, the snowberry clearwing - see http://tinyurl.com/ktqj7x for an image. Larval host plants reportedly include snowberry, honeysuckle, coralberry, viburnums, blue dogbane, and dwarf bush honeysuckle - see http://tinyurl.com/ar3arv7 for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4200 Insect has 6 legs, no visible antennae. Appears to have head of cockroach (American), but has no wings and abdomen does not look like any known cockroach. Found indoors in Raleigh, NC. Daryl.
Like no. 4198, the image quality is not clear enough to be positive, but this does resemble a male cockroach (such as a Periplaneta or Parcoblatta sp.) whose wings have been removed. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4199 Hello, These critters are so tiny it’s hard to get good photos.. I am guessing they are some type of flea? They jump away (about 1-2 inches) when you put a stick near them. They are roughly about 1/16 of an inch long (1.5mm), some quite a bit smaller. I’m Bill from NY, on Long Island, and these bugs are crawling all over my stone steps in the front of the house. It’s an unseasonably warm January and these appear whenever it’s wet/rainy. Regards, Bill
These are globular springtails (Collembola: Sminthuridae), primitive arthropods closely related to true insects. With the exception of one species (not found in North America), all members of this family are harmless nuisance pests, feeding primarily on decomposing organic matter. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4198 Hi, I am wondering if you can help me identify this bug. While we were vacationing in Kelowna BC last summer, my kids and I were bit quite a few times by these things. They bit mostly around the hairline at the back of our necks, or a few times around our ears, but no where else. We did not feel them biting and they left a red ring around with a small puncture hole in the middle of the ring(I can send pictures of this as well, if need be). The house that we were staying at backed on to a small forest type area with lots of trees and brush. It seems that we mostly got bit in the pool or while on the grass. Thank you. Crystal
The image quality is not sufficient for a positive i.d., but based on your description of their behavior, the most likely suspect would be black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/d5ul7mh for an image and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4197 I would like to identified what kind of bug is this which it was crawling the wall in my bedroom. Diego.
This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), likely in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/c3bmaxg for a fact sheet and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4196 This insect seems to have invaded our house the last month or so. It is a flying insect that seems more difficult to kill than most insects; a simple squish usually doesn't work. It's antennae are straight when it's alive (unlike the picture of it dead). We live in the country in a heavily wooded area of Alberta, Canada and bring firewood into the house during the winter. We cannot tell if they come in on the wood, or where they come from - all of the sudden they just seem to appear. I'd love to know what it is to find a way to keep it out of the house! Thanks! Kim
These insects are harmless to beneficial; they appear to be ichneumon wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/b3do94j for an example. All wasps in this family are parasitic on other arthropods (primarily insects and spiders) and are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4195 Hi these photos are from Durban South Africa. It is about 30mm in length. It was a worm that had this attachment and then I presume became some sort of butterfly? Do you know what this is? Regards Rene.
This appears to be a case-bearing caterpillar; the most likely suspect is one of the so-called bagworms in the family Psychidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4194 Hi there I saw this spider at a playground near sylvan lake Alberta. Just wondering what it is approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch long. Kevin.
This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus; likely Phidippus borealis - see http://tinyurl.com/beqor94 for an image. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4193 What bug is this. What does it eat. What type of environment does it require to survive? Bryan
This appears to be a small milkweed bug, Lygaeus kalmia (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/asx8dtr for an image. They feed primarily on the developing seed pods of milkweed plants. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4192 Hi. I found this in a cloth bag i was cleaning out. It's only about an inch long and not nearly as fat as it looks in the photos. I live in the southern interior of BC.
This is a millipede, an arthropod in the class Diplopoda. Species such as this one are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter. Some other species may become nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4191 It is winter here (Erin, Ontario, Canada) so I find it very odd to see insects at all. These tiny black bugs (which seem to be 1/8 inch long) found on kitchen and living room window sills, on a glass table by a lamp, on the floor by the windows and in between the glass on a family photo in a picture frame. Slow to move as if dying. On back kicking legs. One opened wings when it was tapped. No visible antennae. I am afraid of carpenter ants (although they don't look like an ant's body) or even worse, termites, as we live in a cedar home. Thank you for any help you can provide. Michelle
This is a small wood-boring beetle, such as those in the family Bostrichidae - see http://tinyurl.com/atgmtfq for an example, or a weevil in the subfamily Scolytinae - see http://tinyurl.com/b94rk2a for an example. Some bostrichids (known as shot-hole borers or powder-post beetles) will attack unpainted/unvarnished wood indoors, so check carefully for signs of infestation - see http://tinyurl.com/aurp8xf for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4190 My name is Glenn, I live in upstate New York. I've found several of these flying insects, about 1/2 inch long, in my finished basement recently from mid December into January. Some of them are orange in color at the rear of the body, and others are all dark in color with white circular stripes around the body.
This is a wasp that is parasitic on other insects, likely in the family Braconidae - see http://tinyurl.com/cjurf4 for an image. The stripy ones could be in a related family, Ichneumonidae - see http://tinyurl.com/akvvr9j for an example. All of these are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4189 What kind of bug is this? It looks like a hornet but doesn't fly. We have found 3 or 4 in my grandfathers house. He lives in the mountains of North Carolina and has a wood stove for heating. Thanks, Karen
This is a locust borer, Megacyllene robiniae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and it is not surprising you would find it associated with firewood – see http://tinyurl.com/axwuyvb for more detailed information.

4188 I have found these bugs in my house. Should I be concerned or just get rid of them as I find them. Since it is winter I have fire wood in the basement. Could they be coming in on the wook (likely they are). I'm just concerned if they will infest the house itself. Thanks, Kevin.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Xylotrechus; likely Xylotrechus colonus, a widespread species known as the rustic borer - see http://tinyurl.com/ayw4apy for an image. Their larvae feed under the bark of trees, primarily hickory and other hardwoods; they will not infest anything in your house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4187 These flying pests have been living in my pantry for months, and even when I think it's cleaned out, they reappear. What are they and how do I rid my home of them? Michael
This is an Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a common pantry pest whose larvae will infest a wide variety of dry food products, especially grain-derived. See http://tinyurl.com/c5r4zzh on this web site for more detailed information, including control recommendations. We had a serious problem with this pest in our pantry several years ago, and now keep all infestable products in sealed plastic containers. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4186 Found this crawling along the blinds in my living room. He later appeared on the edge of the couch, and I was trying to determine whether he was a tick (and would be harmful to my dog), but I don't think so. He has six legs and what looks like a long nose with two very fine antennae coming off the "nose." The other markings of note are the two grayish circles on his back. He was probably slightly larger than a tick. Thank you!
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). This is an extremely large family that includes many thousands of species; yours does not appear to be any of the commoner pests species. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4185 Hi - this was in my suitcase, dead, after a stay at a hotel and a B&B, in Nova Scotia, in December. Any help in identifying would be appreciated. Thanks, Carolyn
This a fragment of a long-dead insect, likely a hemipteran (true bug) of some kind; there is not enough there for me to make a more specific identification. It does not appear to be anything to worry about. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4184 What is this? It was walking across my computer. I thought it was INSIDE but when I touched it on the screen, I got a great specimen. This is under the microscope. The bug was barely discernible to the naked eye. Karen.
This is a booklouse (Psocodea: Liposcelidae); they basically are nuisance pests, but sometimes may damage starchy backings of bookbindings, wallpaper, etc. They feed primarily on mold spores and need high humidity in order to persist in an indoor environment. See http://tinyurl.com/adp2eb8 for a detailed fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4183 A pest found Jan 1st 2013 in Navan Ontario. It was found in the sitting room on the rug - looks like a soft bodied wasp with wings. Winter temperature is minus 14 degrees Celsius.
Yet another example of a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see no. 4157. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Thank you for maintaining this fabulously informative web site and thanks also to Ed Saugstad the retired entomologist, who replies with such useful information so freely! It is all very much appreciated. Sandra. Quinte West, Ontario.

4182 Carmen - Etobicoke, Ontario Canada. We found these little guys in our condo suite (5th floor) May/June. Any idea what they might be?
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), it appears to be one of the grain-infesting members of the genus Sitophilus. See http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4181 Hi it's Karen from Southern Maine, USA. We have found this crawling on walls, and others on the carpet staircase in the month of June. It's only been seen crawling, not flying, in the daytime. Thank you!
This is a nymph of a cockroach. See http://tinyurl.com/but3oao for a University of Maine fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4180 Thank-YOU so much for identifying the previous photo I had submitted (carpet beetle) in November. This is something else. I live just outside of Toronto and I just found this bug on a towel in my basement laundry room where I wash my 2 little dogs. I don't think it is a flea but I really can't say for sure. It surprised me and I squished it with my ninja fast reflexes (not). Any ideas? Apparently our basement is like a bug sanctuary we recently had a mouse problem (RIP - Mickey & Minnie) and the representative said he can come back in the Spring to spray the entire house. : ( Happy Holidays! Jennifer.
Because of its condition, I cannot be absolutely certain, but this appears to be a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae), such as Ptinus fur – see http://tinyurl.com/d9o4bjj for an image. See http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4179 Trying to identify this bug that has been found more frequently inside of our home built in 2008. Usually find approx. 2-3/day. First started seeing them in the fall of 2012. The bug is approximately 1 cm large. It appears to have wings but we have not seen it fly. We live in a bungalow with aluminum siding in Almonte Ontario Canada. Any assistance with identifying this bug and ways to rid our home of it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Jack
This appears to be an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), they basically are nuisance pests, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees and other members of the maple family. See http://tinyurl.com/8kj9m6h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4178 I would like to know what these are. Jay
This is either a cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) or a drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum (Coleoptera: Anobiidae); both can be pantry pests. See http://tinyurl.com/dba9uj for detailed information including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4177 Hello, I live in Woodstock, IL. I found this bug I in my bathroom. Its winter right now so its very cold outside. I have also found this same bug in a town ten miles away outside in the summer. The bug has a very hard shell and a pointed face. It has four legs and very defined lined texture on its back. I can also see some light colored orange/brown spots on its back. I hope you can identify this. Thank you! Melissa H.
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae); it appears to be a black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, these weevils often enter buildings in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Their larvae, however, can be serious root pests - see http://tinyurl.com/anstvb for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4176 I found this bug, dead on my bedroom window sill Dec 20^th. It has been extremely mild for this time of year. This bug’s body is only about ¾ of an inch long with whip like antennae that span the length of its body. It has a mottled grey color to it and it looks like it has 6 spiky legs. My husband has allergies. I have sinus issues. I have to have the bedroom moist so I put our dryer in there for humidity and also I recently started using my humidifier again. Can you please tell me what the heck this thing is?? Thanks. Monica. Plymouth Meeting, PA.
This appears to be a dead bristletail (order Thysanura) in the family Lepismatidae - see http://tinyurl.com/c7eqxv9 for an image. This family includes the cosmopolitan nuisance pests, silverfish and firebrats. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4175 We live in Mississauga Ontario and saw these for the first time today. We noticed about 8 empty shells clinging to our chain link fence and found this live one on the underside of our tent cover. It looks like the insect leaves or sheds it’s winged shell/cocoon. What is it? Should we be concerned or do anything about it? Katie. Age 6.
This is a dog-day cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae) in the genus Tibicen, likely the northern dog-day cicada, Tibicen canicularis - see http://tinyurl.com/bvtxwcg for an image. This image must have been taken a few months ago, as they do not emerge at this time of year. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4174 Hello, My name is Tara, writing from Toronto, Canada. I recently moved my furniture from a temporary storage into a new apartment. I found 3 of these little guys in the last couple of days in my living room. This one is 3mm long. It looks a bit lighter in colour to the naked eye. Bed bug? Beetle? Thanks!
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae); likely in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetle and allies). See http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4173 Hi - I live in Atlanta GA and we have had a recent warm spell. In the last two days, two of these flying insects appeared in the house at night, one on a wall near a light source and another one the next evening on a lampshade. They don't really fly well, but do short distances more like moths. Their bodies are about 1/4 inch long, with wings closer to 5/8". Please tell me these are not termites! Thanks, Gina
This is a lacewing, it appears to be a brown lacewing (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae); they and their larvae are voracious predators on other small soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids and small caterpillars, and thus usually considered beneficial Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4172 Greetings. These were all over my House tonight, when we got home. After Dark ( Victoria BC Canada )
Noticed they were coming through the door into the house, through the cracks ( door doesn't seal well ) They also appear to jump ! Please help me. Panicking a bit as I have two 17 year old Dogs and Birds ! Thanks. Randie
These are globular springtails (Collemboa: Sminthuridae) - see http://tinyurl.com/blfhus9 for an image; they are nuisance pests that pose no threat to you or your pets. Springtails are for the most part harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter; there is one species known as the lucerne flea that has become a pest in the Australian region. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4171 Found three of these bugs in our basement in Calgary, Alberta on Dec. 20, 2012. Would appreciate any help with identification and with a course of action. Reynold
This is a terrestrial crustacean in the order Isopoda; it bears some resemblance to the European sowbug (Oniscus asellus), an introduced species now widespread in North America - see http://tinyurl.com/csjsvxd for an image. These basically are harmless nuisance pests that feed primarily on decomposing organic matter. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4170 Hello, These flying bugs were found dead around my counter, stovetop, on the range hood light cover (the photo is of this cover), in the range fan and on the windowsill and window. At this size, we are finding them dead. We seem to also be finding smaller versions, both dead and alive. Are they fruit flies? Please help. Found - Bronx, NY; winter, indoors/kitchen area. Thank you, Gladys
These are dark-winged fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae). Their larvae (maggots) are very pale with dark heads, and usually are found in very wet soil having a high organic content, such as overwatered house plants. The adult flies are nuisance pests that do no harm, but the larvae occasionally can damage roots and lower stems of tender plants. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4169 photo taken by: Amy Length about the size of a quarter. Photo taken in Mid-October. Location Fresno ca.
This is a larva of a soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae); they are scavengers on decomposing organic matter, often in very moist situations such as borders of sewage lagoons or poorly maintained compost piles. Mature larvae often move away from their food source in search of a dry place to undergo pupation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4168 Hi, My name is Patti and I live in Cave Creek Arizona. In October and these bugs were in my upstairs bathroom for a couple of weeks. I have noticed them outside of the windows as well and I am assuming they are coming in through the fan. They only seem to come in a dozen at a time. They have a hard outside, they fly at times, but seem to prefer to crawl or just stand still. When you try to get them they fall down and "play dead". They mostly crawl on the ceiling or on the window glass. Please help me identify. Thank you.
This is a special type of leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) the subfamily Bruchinae; known as a pea or bean weevil. Their larvae feed inside of seeds (primarily legumes), and may be granary/stored product pests; see http://tinyurl.com/7e9fldj for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4167 This was taken last fall just South of Sudbury, Ontario.....what are they? William
This is Argiope aurantia, one of the commonest and most wide-spread orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in North America. Because of this wide distribution, it goes by a variety of common names in different parts of the country, see http://tinyurl.com/2yw6f6 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4166 Found this recently on my floor. I initially thought it to be some common spider but up close it certainly does not look like a spider, or in fact anything I've seen before. I'm in the Montreal region and the little thing is about 4mm long. Thanks, Jonathan
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); it appears to be in the genus Ptinus - see no. 4161 for another example and http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4165 We have had a live Christmas tree in our house for three weeks, not sure what species. we now have small winged insects coming from it. they have noticeable antennae. they are black, an 1/8"-1/4" inch long. they do not kill easily, but they do not hurt us or our cats. thoughts? Scot
This is a conifer sawfly (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae); see http://tinyurl.com/ccznl49 for an image. The larvae look like small caterpillars, and some species can be important defoliators. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4164 Merry Christmas! I live in Hastings County Ontario near Trenton, Ontario on the edge of the woods with a cold water stream at the base of the ravine. Its December 15th 2012. This tiny critter ( ballpoint pen nib next to it for comparison) is alive outside our house, found on the vehicles and the windows and doors but also the occassional one in the house. We do not yet have hard frost or the ground frozen, but have had some variable weather from 6 degrees C to -8 degrees C for the last few weeks. Its no more than 1/4 inch long wings usually folded tightly against its back ( I didn't know it had any until I found this dead one in my fridge). It has 6 legs and 2 feelers at the front and 2 ?ovipositors? at the rear. Can you please tell me what this is.
This is a small winter stonefly, Plecoptera: Capniidae). I have seen these out and about in mid-winter; see http://tinyurl.com/48zccjb for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4163 Hi these are coming out from a tile under the lo in a bathroom - Hout Bay, South Africa. They are about as long as my thumb nail and slug like - half the width of a thumb nail. Move quite quickly... revolting! Thanks. Sean.
I cannot be certain, but my best guess is that this is a somewhat dehydrated rattailed maggot (larva of a syrphid fly in the genus Eristalis), see http://tinyurl.com/c4p6ft8 for an image of a more ‘normal’ appearing one. These larvae usually are found in in water having a very high organic material content or in very damp/wet decomposing organic matter. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4162 Found this interesting spider camping on Balsam Lake (central Ontario). Believe it to be a jumping spider but the markings were very unique. Jeff.
This is Phidippus audax, one of the commonest and most widespread species of jumping spider in North America. See http://tinyurl.com/3m4kc7 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4161 We live in Alberta. Can you help identify these bugs. They look like a small red- brown beetle. We noticed them mid October in our basement. I am wondering if they are a grain beetle that came in a dog or cat food bag?
These are spider beetles (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae) in the genus Ptinus; likely Ptinus fur - see http://tinyurl.com/a5huhvf for an image and http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4160 My name is Sue Dougherty and I live in Jakarta, Indonesia. I have seen this critter 4-6 times in the last 2 years; I believe it prefers the outdoors and wanders indoors only occasionally (twice, I found a very small version on the shower floor, otherwise, it is close to a door). It is difficult to say, but I believe they are more abundant during the rainy season (November - March). The larger adults do not move very quickly. What is its name? Is it dangerous to my cat? To me?
This is an arachnid in the order Thelyphonida. Known as whip scorpions or vinegarroons, they lack venom and are harmless to humans or pets. See http://tinyurl.com/nbayhv for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4159 I keep finding these bugs in our bedroom on the floor. Thanks for your help ~ Sara
This is an amphipod, a crustacean that usually is found in water. There are a few species, commonly called ‘lawn shrimp’ that may be found on land where soil conditions are very wet. See http://tinyurl.com/ae3fwa9 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4158 I've found five of these now, one on my computer and four in the bathtub. Whatever they are, I started seeing bites on my body as soon as they appeared and I'm almost certain its not bedbugs... I've been down that road before and this isn't like them. If someone could tell me what this is ASAP, it would be appreciated. Benjamin.
This would not be responsible for any bites; it is a weevil, appearing to be one of the grain-infesting members of the genus Sitophilus. See http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4157 Please can you tell me what kind of bug this is that I keep finding in my home. We are located on the Severn River just outside of a small town called Severn Falls. We live in a water access home in the forest overlooking the river. Our home was just built and completed one year ago. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Eckhart
One of the commoner frequenters of this site, it is a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see no. 4133. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4156 Found in Coquitlam, BC, December 9. Elsa. I found few of this bug in my apartment. I don’t know have they lived in this apartment for a long while because I just moved-in in October, but I have been seeing them almost once a week since I live in here. Although they appeared once in my kitchen (laminated floor), they mostly appear at the bathroom door area (laminated floor in the bathroom and carpet inside out in the other parts of my apartment). Their body pattern and structure look likes a bee, but they do not have wings and cannot fly. I really want to know what bug it is and how I can prevent them appearing in my apartment again, because I don’t feel comfortable with them around. Thank you!
This is a bristletail (order Thysanura); could be a firebrat, Thermobia domestica, a common nuisance pest. See http://tinyurl.com/yoj6bl for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4155 Here's one I can't find in my books, but it should be easier for someone with more experience -- like you! The moth-like feather-like antennae should be a give-away. These guys were all over the place in September in Massachusetts. Martha
This looks like a yellow-collared scape moth, Cisseps fulvicollis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae; subfamily Arctiinae); the Virginia ctenucha moth (Ctenucha virginica) also is very similar, but that species has iridescent blue scales on its thorax and abdomen - see http://tinyurl.com/nkkyhm for a comparison. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4154 Found near Olympia Washington. Dave Rivard.
This is a larva of a sphinx moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae); possibly a great ash sphinx, Sphinx chersis (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/be927c6 for an example. These caterpillars often change color just before entering the pupal stage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4153 I think this is two insects mating, but maybe it's a mutant something instead. I took the picture in Massachusetts in July. I was really glad to find this website, as they're SO strange. Martha.
These are arachnids in the order Opiliones. Commonly known as harvestmen or daddy longlegs, they are relatives of spiders and scorpions but lack venom glands. They have a wide variety of eating habits, varying from scavengers to predators - see http://tinyurl.com/5fbka7 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4152 Came out of sink in Boston, what is it thanks . Skylar
Although wormlike in appearance, I suspect that this could be a bean sprout, such as a mung bean - see http://tinyurl.com/at9muqv for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4151 Location: Singapore. Size: 5mm roughly. Month: Oct - Dec (only moved in recently so unsure how long they're around for). Location: Indoors attached to walls of a condo on the 6th floor. I keep finding these small soft seed shaped sack things.. look like they could be a left over shell of an insect. They're usually attached to the wall and fall off by lightly touching them. In fact the one I just took a picture of has reattached itself to the wall in the last 20 mins so maybe there is something still inside it? Any help identifying these would be greatly appreciated!
This appears to be a household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae). These are relatives of clothes moths that appear to dine primarily on old spider webs and the like rather than on fine woolens. See http://tinyurl.com/dn4jn5 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4150 We live just north of Seattle and since early November (2012) with a wet season upon us, we are finding these "worms" in our home. We have come to the conclusion they are falling from our skylights, given location and proximity in our home. They are approximately 3/4 - 1 in (19-20mm) in length. You can see coloring is dark brown with horizontal golden tan stripes. Although I can't tell for sure, they look to have legs? When you touch them them curl up into a tight circle in it's defense. We have come across these a few years ago around the same time of year and similar weather conditions and again devising they are "falling" from the skylight. We are extremely clean people and really just want a solution to get rid of this yucky things. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Stacey.
This is a caterpillar of a moth in the family Noctuidae; it appears very similar to Noctua pronuba, a common and widespread species - see http://tinyurl.com/a458r25 for an image. As such, it would be extremely unlikely for them to be coming from your skylights; they feed on a wide variety of plants, including grasses, but are not indoor pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4149 Found about 10 of these bugs dead in my living room. They look so scary. I bombed my housr and have found 2 dead ones since. They are brown usually with a different color head. They have a darker shade of brown lines on their backs in different designs. This particular one had red spots on the head. Can anyone identify i have never in my life seen this strange bug. Laura.
This looks like a long-dead cockroach; there are several cosmopolitan species that can be household pests; see http://tinyurl.com/knhlzo for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4148 This pest was found in my house on my stairs. It is winter time. The location was in Delaware. When I went to go kill it, it started to move very fast but i caught it. It looks a little fuzzy and has a curled body with weird looking legs. Never saw anything like this in my life.
This is a cave or camel cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae). They basically are nuisance pests when they occur indoors, and sometimes may be referred to as ‘sprickets’ because of a fancied resemblance to a cross between a spider and a cricket. See http://tinyurl.com/5ncego for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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Picture 4148 is a camel cricket. They are mostly found in the basement or in moist places. They also like cool places. They are no danger to humans. They feed on fabric and paper, and if there is nothing left they will feed off each other or will eat their own limbs. Brielle S.

4147 Hi! For a past few days I see a lot of those bugs in my back yard. A lot means 100 or more. They are about 1 to 2 mm long. They go slow, don't run away. When I squeeze them there is a red liquid inside, may be blood. It's like you squeeze mosquito full of blood. They don't really look like bed bugs to me but I am scared because there are so many trying to get indoors. Should I be concerned? Thanks, Andrew.
This is an aphid (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae), also known as plant lice. They are sap feeders and some can be very serious pests of gardens and field crops. The red fluid is hemolymph, the insect’s ‘blood.’ Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4146 Hi I started finding these bugs all around my living room and decided to have a further inspection, I have oak flooring down so I took the beading of around the edges and found lots on the bare floor boards, having noticed a lot of holes and doing a bit of research I come across wood boring weevils???? Michelle.
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); it appears to be one of the grain/granary weevils in the genus Sitophilus; see http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. It is not a wood-boring insect. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4145 Hi, I took these pictures at our beach house on the upper Texas coast. These small beetles are boring into the wood on one of the large pilings under the house. Can you please identify this bug? Thank you, Bob. Crystal Beach, Texas.
This is a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae) in the genus Eudiagogus - see http://tinyurl.com/d2jgnlv for an example. It would not be responsible for any wood damage, as these weevils are strictly foliage feeders, specializing in legumes such as rattlebox. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4144 This insect was walking across a parking lot on Nov. 24, in Pembroke MA, temperature was about 45 F. There is a decaying stump in the vicinity but mostly asphalt where he came from. I saw a similar insect a couple of weeks ago in the same location. My initial thought was that it was a carpenter ant queen, but the thorax is different. It is one inch long. Les
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae) in the genus Meloe. They commonly are known as "oil beetles" because they release oily droplets (hemolymph/blood) from their joints when disturbed. This fluid this contains a chemical, cantharidin, that can cause blistering of the skin. See http://tinyurl.com/d6araq9 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4143 I'm pretty sure this is a camel cricket, but as I have never seen one in my life are they common to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Canada? Jenn.
This is indeed a cave or camel cricket, Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae – see no. 4140 for another example; they occur throughout much of Canada. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4142 Hi, What a great site! Any help or confirmation would be greatly appreciated! I live just outside of Toronto. I found this bug in the seam of my bed mattress and thought it was a bed bug but once I magnified it in my photo it looks more like a Carpet Beetle (?). It is tiny approximately .5mm in size. I promptly washed all bed linen and pillows in hot water, vacuumed and steam cleaned my bed. I steamed baseboards, vacuumed all drawers and furniture close to the bed. I did find a lot of dead bugs or maybe shells (?) in unused drawers. I would love to hear an expert opinion. Thanks in advance! Jennifer.
This looks like a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/c3bmaxg for a fact sheet and http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4141 Mound of sand like material found in corner of my daughters bedroom. The second photo shows the mound goes along the wall, both walls on side of the corner have sand like material between the floor and baseboard.
I really can’t tell much from these images; about the only possibility of real concern would be frass (fecal pellets) of drywood termites - see http://tinyurl.com/c7qztej for an example. However, fecal pellets of these termites have a very uniform characteristic shape - see http://tinyurl.com/d29txv9 for an image - that I do not see in your images. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4140 Hi, We live in a ground floor and basement apartment near Central Park NYC and have seen 2 of these disgusting creatures recently since October. They jump and look like big spiders from afar, but looking closer have a strange resemblance to grasshoppers. Would you know what these are and if they are any harmful? Thank you so much! Julien
This is a relative of grasshoppers and crickets in the family Rhaphidophoridae known as a cave or camel cricket. They basically are nuisance pests when they occur indoors, and sometimes may be referred to as ‘sprickets’ because of a fancied resemblance to a cross between a spider and a cricket. See http://tinyurl.com/5ncego for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4139 Found on my carpet in Wharton Texas. Julius.
This beetle is Bolbocerosoma confusum, an earth-boring scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae); see http://tinyurl.com/cs4duas for an image. Very little appears to be known about its biology. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4138 I'd like you to identify the pest that I found in my room. I live in Syosset, Long Island which is more an urban hamlet. We have a few trees in the backyard and that's basically it. After further search, I was unable to identify the pest. Would you please tell me what it is? Many thanks. Very truly yours, Christopher
This is a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), an introduced species that rapidly is becoming a pest in northeastern/central North America. See http://tinyurl.com/brn5767 for a Cornell University fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4137 Hi, I was wondering what this caterpillar type insect is. Thanks, Robert
These appear to be larvae of the giant swallowtail butterfly, Papilio cresphontes (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/acctg77 for images and more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4136 I noticed this spider outside one warm night in Los Angeles, California. I named him Henry. I'm a fan of spiders and understand their value in the environment. However, I have children, cats, and a medium sized dog that I need to protect. What type of spider is Henry and is he a danger to humans or pets? Thank you in advance for your insight and assistance! Ciao, Ann
This is an orb weaving spider (family Araneidae); it could be either in the genus Araneus or Neoscona (species in both genera can be quite variable in color pattern), but all are harmless to humans and pets. BTW, Henry is Henrietta… Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4135 Taken approx 10pm today. Perhaps a brown banded roach? But I didn't think we got them in uk? Was on bathroom towel.
This definitely is a cockroach nymph; it could be a brown-banded (Supella longipalpa - see http://tinyurl.com/bzrnxwe for an image), but a German cockroach (Blatella germanica - see http://tinyurl.com/bgj6pc4 for an image) also is a possibility. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4134 We took our ceiling down and this cluster was in the insulation which is also the attic. The individual sacs vary from the size of an almond to a hazelnut. the sacs are oval and all the ends are open. It looks as if something has hatched and ate the end off to get out.There are lots of sacs in the cluster. Each cluster (we found 2) was approx the size of a softball and all are dry and crispy. We live in B.C in the lower mainland.
This appears to be an abandoned bumble bee nest – see http://tinyurl.com/b5p3eap for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4133 Hi, Wayne from Halifax, NS...this critter was walking across the hood of my truck in early October, late morning. The obvious "face" on it's back caught my eye. There a couple of insects on your site that look similar but none seem to have the "face".
Yet another example of a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) – see no. 4128. Basically nuisance pests, they often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4132 Please help me identify this insect so I can correctly label it on my web site. We found this little guy near our lodge (Seal River), which was 50 KM north of Churchill, Manitoba. I thought it to be a Springtail, but this seems to have a much thinner body. The date was November6, 2012. Thanks, Dave
This is a wingless fly in the family Limoniidae (Limoniid crane flies), genus Chionea, known as snow flies - see http://tinyurl.com/cj572ww for an image. They are closely related to true crane flies (Diptera: Tipulidae), and like them the adults do not appear to feed other than taking in water. Little appears to be known about their life history; see http://tinyurl.com/c39hdda Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4131 My name is Felisha found on me, I live in South Florida. It is hard and has little hairs all over. It's face is brown.
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and allies); likely in the genus Attagenus – see http://tinyurl.com/2vdd96g for an image of an adult and larva, and http://tinyurl.com/pvgfq3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4130 I live in Unionville, Ontario. I found this on my rose bush. Can you help me identify this beelike fly? Réjean
This appears to be an adult rose sawfly, Arge ochropus (Hymenoptera: Argidae); see http://tinyurl.com/cqnk58f for an image. Their leaf-feeding larvae may be mistaken for small caterpillars; see http://tinyurl.com/ct3kvkq for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4129 What are these? They are always in my home. Are they biting or just annoying? Keisha
These are plant bugs of some kind that blundered their way indoors; I would simply classify them as nuisance pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4128 Hi, I've noticed these 1 inch long guys in my house for the last few years but this year there are many more coming in. They walk mostly but will hop if approached and although they have wings I've not seen them fly. I thought they may be the marmorated brown but the on-line photos look more round than those in the attached photo. I live in a rural area but do not have a garden. I should like to know if the are friend or foe before I continue to dispatch them. Sincerely. John J. Paradise, NS
This is a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae). They often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4127 Hi, my name is Miranda and these 2 photos were taken 11/13/2012 in Winnipeg, MB inside an apartment during winter. Found many in cupboards, on counter tops and on the floor. What type of bug is this?
This appears to be one of the granary weevils in the genus Sitophilus. see http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4126 I found this 4 mm black bug on the floor upstairs in our house this morning (Nov. 13, 2012) and thought it was a spot of dirt so I wet my finger and touched it to pick it up. It promptly fell off so I tried again. I then realized it didn't fall off, it jumped, and therefore it wasn't dirt, it was some kind of bug. I think it might be a beetle but my husband says it's a tick. We would be very grateful if you could tell us what it is. We are located in Ontario, along the shore of the Ottawa River between Pembroke and North Bay. Ann
This is a flea beetle, a leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the tribe Alticini. Yours could be in the genus Disonycha – see http://tinyurl.com/chswy9a for an example. These beetles all are leaf feeders, and some can be serious garden pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4125 I found this on 12 November in my garden and do not know what is it . Hope that you can help me. Taimoor
This appears to be a terrestrial flatworm (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/cs98far for an image. They are predators on other invertebrates, some specializing on earthworms and the like. Knowing your geographic location would be helpful in instances like this. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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I wish to suggest an alternate id. I believe it is a Brahminy blind snake, indigent to SE Asia. I have found quite a few of these in and around my home in FL. Apparently they have been imported over the years in potted plants, and have become established in areas of our state. John. Orlando Florida. Here is a link for more info, and it includes a photo:
http://www.oplin.org/snake/fact pages/brahminy_blind/brahminy.html

4124 Taken November 14 in London, Ontario, Canada, 6 degrees C, cloudy. After scanning through the archives, I think it is a picture of a boxelder bug variant, but I may be wrong.
This is a small milkweed bug, Lygaeus kalmia (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/cl7vhrq for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4123 Hi, my name is Alan and I took this pic In the summer in London, Ontario. I have no idea what kind of spider it is.
This is an orb weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, possibly the cross orb weaver, Araneus diadematus – see http://tinyurl.com/clsogeq for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4122 Live in Lakeland, Florida....found this in front yard November 12th. I have never seen one of these before. Born & raised here....Thank you Trish
This is a caterpillar of an Imperial moth, Eacles imperialis (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). They feed on a wide variety of deciduous and conifer trees, but are not considered serious pests. See http://tinyurl.com/bzm7v3h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4121 I believe this is some type of funnel-weaver spider, but wish to be more accurate when I label my photo online. I live in Richmond, BC and found this male specimen on the wall inside our apartment in rainy warm spring conditions. It was quite a willing model and sat patiently as I took these pictures (then released it on the balcony). The overall leg span is approx. 1”. There was no web nearby. I looked through many pictures and sources online, but have found no near matches. Note the smooth exoskeleton and leathery body with sparse large hairs on. Thank you for providing this helpful service. James R.
This is a running crab spider (family Philodromidae); it appears to be a male Philodromus dispar, see http://tinyurl.com/ay6wghr for an image. It is harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4120 Hi! For a past few days I see a lot of those bugs in my back yard. A lot means 100 or more. They are about 1 to 2 mm long. They go slow, don't run away. When I squeeze them there is a red liquid inside, may be blood. It's like you squeeze mosquito full of blood. They don't really look like bed bugs to me but I am scared because there are so many trying to get indoors. Should I be concerned? Thanks, Andrew.
This is an aphid (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae). All aphids (also known as plant lice) are sap feeders, and some can transmit viral diseases of plants. The red substance you noted is called hemolymph and serves as the aphid’s blood. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4119 Hi My name is Essence and this little guy "flew" or "jumped" and landed between my eyes this morning 10/23/12 in Sedona, AZ. Then plopped onto my folder and walked around a bit. It has the coloring of a moth and hind legs like a grasshopper. I've never seen anything like it, please help. Thanks.
This is Merocoris distinctus, a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) – see http://tinyurl.com/awyny46 for an image. Little appears to be known about this species except that they usually are found on flowers. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4118 Dear Sir. I discovered this creature in one of my apple trees a couple of years ago. I live in Devon, UK. It had no legs and moved very slowly. As you can see it looks like a twig. A very stretched caterpillar perhaps? I would be interested to know your thoughts. Thank you. Regards, Richard
This is a caterpillar of a moth in the family Geometridae. Collectively known as inchworms or loopers because of their peculiar mode of locomotion, many species, such as yours, are excellent twig mimics, which probably affords them some measure of protection against predators. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4117 I live in southern Ontario along the north shore of Lake Erie. About mid October I left a small fireplace shovel upside down outside on my grass. A week later when I picked it up there were multiple small beige cocoons attached to the shovel. I have seen lots of these around my yard before. I cut one open and it looks like a large larva of some sort or other. Any help with identification and control would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Joanne.
These appear to be cocoons constructed by caterpillars of one of the tiger moths in the subfamily Arctiinae of the family Erebidae. These include such familiar species as the wooly bear and yellow bear caterpillars. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4116 Wondering if you folks have any idea what this is? It was wondering about our school halls this am. Thanks for your time. Kim
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in the genus Perillus; likely Perillus bioculatus, known as the two-spotted stink bug. This species is highly variable in color pattern, see http://tinyurl.com/bt7ymcr for some examples. It is a beneficial species, feeding voraciously on Colorado potato beetles - see http://tinyurl.com/alygdnp for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4115 Hi, I am in Edmonton Alberta Canada and I found this in my girlfriends apartment. she is deathly afraid of bedbugs. I don't think this is a bed bud however I need to know what it is before I tell her about it. Thanks. Pete
This is not a bug of any kind, it is a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); see http://tinyurl.com/nw92wz for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4114 Hello. Found crawling around the window in Hamilton, Ontario November 4 2012. Jasna
This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus, likely an immature P. audax, a very widely distributed species – see http://tinyurl.com/bfk7s4o for an image. Jumping spiders are active hunters that do not spin a capture web, and have excellent (for a spider) eyesight. Large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite, but they are not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4113 Hi, I am in Calgary Alberta Canada. About 4 months ago I went to a local mall and had lunch in the food court. After I finished I noticed a weird bug writhing around on its back on the tray. I gave it to the food vendor employees and since I was not sure if it perhaps was from outside and maybe fell off my clothes or something like that, I dismissed the incident. Today I was in the same mall and walking by that food vendor and the same bug was crawling around on the floor just outside of their spot. I snapped this picture, but I don't even know where to begin in identifying it. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks!! Eric
This appears to be a larva of a dermestid beetle (Coleoptera; Dermestidae) in the genus Dermestes – see http://tinyurl.com/avp237v for an example. These beetles are cosmopolitan in distribution, and will feed on a very wide variety of organic materials, primarily those of animal origin. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4112 Hi. These little snails are all over the outside house, they are about 1/4" long, hard shelled, brown to black in color, first noticed them in late Sept. 2012. We live in Kingston, Nova Scotia Canada.
Thank you. Marla
Unfortunately, I cannot provide a specific identification for this snail. The only thing that appears at all similar in the only online key I could find (http://tinyurl.com/a65wt6l) is the genus Succinea, and I have my doubts about that being correct. I did find one image nearly identical to yours, but the photographer simply called it a garden snail. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4111 These were taken last fall just South of Sudbury, Ontario.....what are they? William
This is Argiope aurantia, an orb weaving spider (family Araneidae) that is very widespread in North and Central America. Because of its wide distribution, this species goes by a wide variety of common names. Like all other orb weavers, these spiders are harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/2972mso and http://tinyurl.com/2yw6f6 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4110 I live in Pacifica, California and these started showing up inside my house this week. They hang out around doors and windows, and around the edges of the carpet. They are about half an inch long. We have cats and a bird but haven't found them going after any of the pet food so far. They are almost always alive and moving when we find them. It's early autumn and has been unusually hot up until the past few days; the temperature has now dropped and we're starting to get rain again for the first time in a while. Would love to know what they are so we can get rid of them. Thank you, Sarah
This is a reproductive (‘swarmer’) termite that has shed its wings, possibly a western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus. See http://tinyurl.com/fe5jz and http://tinyurl.com/b8ho2hu for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4109 Hello- We've just moved into a house in Minneapolis Minnesota and I've been finding these guys around the house. Its mid-October so I know sometimes these critters come indoors to escape the cold. It looks as though they should have wings, but it appears as though they don't. They scamper like a box elder, but I often find them hanging from the ceiling or cupboards. When I squished one I'd been watching for a few days (it didn't move in that time period), it was full of tiny black things- eggs I presume. They are about a half inch long or so, maybe slightly longer. I've lived in MN all my life and never seen anything quite like it. We have small children and I just want to make sure it's not a danger! Thanks for your help!! What a great website!!! Best, Amy
This is a female wingless moth, and given the time of year, most likely a fall cankerworm, Alsophila pometaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). See http://tinyurl.com/bdx6er6 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4108 Hello, I live in London, Ontario and I found this on my pillow in broad daylight. Thank you in advance, Nika
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae); possibly a black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus. These weevils often come indoors in apparent search for winter shelter, but do no harm there. Their larvae feed on roots of many different plants, especially yews, rhododendrons, and hemlock, and can be quite damaging. See http://tinyurl.com/anstvb for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4107 I live in Gretna Louisiana. And they are everywhere outside my mother in-laws house. And we can't figure out where they are coming from. And were also wondering she has dogs can they hurt the dogs in any way?
This is a flat-backed millipede (order Polydesmida), it could be Oxidus gracilis, a species known as the garden millipede – see http://tinyurl.com/a8v8j5s for an image. They pose no threat to anything other than very tender vegetation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4105 My wife and I began seeing these the end of this summer and still appearing now in October. We live Maine USA and we never saw these before. They appear outside and we also found some on the steps leading into the basement from outside. Would really like to know what they may be. Thanking you. George
This is just a guess, as I can see no helpful detail and there is no scale to judge its size, but it could be a cocoon of a caterpillar in the subfamily Arctiinae (‘tiger moths’) of the family Erebidae; see http://tinyurl.com/ahocm2m for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4104 Hi there, Thank you so much for putting this website together, I find it fascinating and very helpful. I live in Abbotsford BC and this was taken in my finished basement in a damp area where I will have to have some plumbing done. I think this is a cobweb/comb-footed spider but I could be mistaken. Perhaps mine is a young one. Thanks. Dustin
This is indeed a comb-footed/cobweb spider (family Theridiidae); it is in the genus Steatoda, which includes several North American species. None are dangerous to humans, but some can have a very painful bite (personal experience). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4103 Hi, For the past couple of years between Oct.5 and Nov.1 we get these bugs on our south facing home, they manage to crawl through the smallest spaces including the window hand crank assemblies, we have to tape of the front door to stop them from coming thru the spaces even were the hinges are placed. The body length is approx. ½ inch long, when they absorb enough warmth from the house they will fly and when we dispose of them in the toilet they will swim and crawl onto the ceramic bowl., as far as we can tell they do not bite or sting, they are an nuisance. Do we have a concern? Gary
This appears to be an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), they basically are nuisance pests, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees and other members of the maple family. See http://tinyurl.com/8kj9m6h for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4102 Tom from Southern California. Many of these bugs found outside on warm days crawling on the open dirt or asphalt. My son says these are boxelder bugs, but they look more like small milkweed bugs to me.
This appears to be Scantius aegyptius (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae), an introduced species – see http://tinyurl.com/ctnszla for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

4101 These tiny bugs are around the window of my kitchen sink and the sink area. Can you identify it? Do you know of a possible way to eradicate them? Thank you, Jason
This is one of the grain/granary weevils in the genus Sitophilus; see http://tinyurl.com/bw2oa8f for an example and http://tinyurl.com/cff3o6r for some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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